Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
09:37

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats

Published on: August 1, 2018

15.6K

Cardiac involvement in patients with cirrhosis: a focus on clinical features and diagnosis

Anna Licata1, Giuseppina Novo, Daniela Colomba

  • 1aSezione di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia bSezione di Medicina Clinico-Sperimentale, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, DIBIMIS, Università di Palermo, Italy cDivisione di Cardiologia dSezione di Radiologia, Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Biotecnologie Mediche, DiBiMEF, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.

Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|June 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, a condition in patients with chronic liver disease, involves heart dysfunction despite traditional beliefs of cardiac protection. This review details its features, diagnosis, and biomarkers.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Traditionally, the cirrhotic heart was considered protected from cardiovascular disease.
  • Recent evidence indicates chronic liver disease patients face increased cardiovascular events.
  • Decompensated cirrhosis leads to hemodynamic changes, termed hyperdynamic syndrome, causing cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical and diagnostic features of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
  • To discuss associated comorbidities, diagnostic hallmarks, and potential biomarkers.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of cardiac involvement in cirrhosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria.
  • Examination of echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, and cardiac magnetic resonance findings.
  • Evaluation of serum biomarkers for diagnostic utility.

Main Results:

  • Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is characterized by subclinical systolic dysfunction, impaired diastolic function, and electrophysiological abnormalities.
  • The hyperdynamic syndrome is a key hemodynamic feature in decompensated cirrhosis.
  • Diagnostic hallmarks include specific findings on echocardiography, ECG, and cardiac MRI.
  • Serum biomarkers show potential for diagnosing cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions:

  • Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a significant complication of chronic liver disease, contrary to traditional views.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for managing cardiovascular risk in these patients.
  • Further research into serum biomarkers may enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma12:24

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: September 30, 2021

6.3K
Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

692

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
796
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
479
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
1.1K
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
850
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,...
786
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
877