Cardiohepatic syndrome

Gerhard Poelzl1, Johann Auer

  • 1Clinical Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria, gerhard.poelzl@uki.at.

Insights

Heart and liver conditions are interconnected, with each potentially worsening the other. This review defines cardiohepatic syndrome (CHS) using the cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) model to explain its development and impact.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Growing evidence links heart disease and liver dysfunction.
  • The interplay between cardiac and hepatic health is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define and describe cardiohepatic syndrome (CHS).
  • To utilize the cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) framework for understanding CHS.
  • To elucidate the pathophysiology, subtypes, and clinical outcomes of CHS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cardiohepatic and cardiorenal interactions.
  • Application of the cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) concept to cardiohepatic syndrome (CHS).

Main Results:

  • Cardiohepatic syndrome (CHS) involves bidirectional influence between heart and liver conditions.
  • The cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) model provides a useful analogy for understanding CHS pathophysiology.
  • CHS has distinct subtypes with associated morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiohepatic syndrome (CHS) represents a significant clinical entity.
  • Understanding CHS through the lens of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) aids in comprehending its complex nature.
  • Further research into CHS subtypes and outcomes is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Hepatic Portal System01:21

Hepatic Portal System

The hepatic portal system, a critical part of our circulatory framework, transports nutrient-laden, deoxygenated blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This ingenious system plays an indispensable role in maintaining our body's metabolic equilibrium.
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is...
8.5K
Portal Hypertension01:22

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...
19
Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic...
18
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
266
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
814
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
370