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Elevated plasma beta-endorphin levels in patients with congestive heart failure
S Kawashima1, N Fukutake, K Nishian
1First Department of Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Plasma beta-endorphin levels are elevated in patients with congestive heart failure, reflecting disease severity. Higher levels correlate with reduced exercise capacity and poorer cardiac function, indicating the opioid system
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- The opioid system plays a role in cardiovascular impairment in congestive heart failure.
- Elevated beta-endorphin levels may be associated with heart failure pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plasma beta-endorphin levels in patients with congestive heart failure.
- To assess the relationship between beta-endorphin levels and cardiac function, and exercise capacity.
Main Methods:
- Plasma beta-endorphin levels were measured in 37 congestive heart failure patients and 21 controls.
- Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography and exercise testing (maximal treadmill exercise with expired gas analysis).
Main Results:
- Plasma beta-endorphin levels were significantly elevated in heart failure patients and correlated with disease severity (New York Heart Association functional cardiac status).
- Elevated beta-endorphin levels were negatively correlated with cardiac output and positively correlated with systemic vascular resistance.
- A strong inverse correlation was found between beta-endorphin levels and exercise capacity parameters, including peak oxygen consumption and anaerobic threshold.
Conclusions:
- Plasma beta-endorphin levels are elevated in congestive heart failure patients.
- These elevated levels reflect the severity of the disease and are associated with reduced exercise capacity.