Liver diseases in heart failure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hepatology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern due to population aging and improved patient survival.
• HF involves impaired organ perfusion and high filling pressures, affecting multiple organs, notably the liver and kidneys.
• The liver's complex vasculature and high metabolic activity make it susceptible to circulatory disturbances in HF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms and impacts of liver disease in heart failure patients.
• To provide physicians and cardiologists with a guide on the liver's role in HF.
• To highlight the significance of hepatic dysfunction in HF prognosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on congestive hepatopathy in heart failure.
• Analysis of studies detailing the impact of liver disease on HF patient outcomes.
• Examination of molecular and hemodynamic changes in the liver associated with HF.

Main Results:

• Hepatic dysfunction is frequently observed in HF patients and correlates with poor outcomes.
• Liver involvement in HF involves significant molecular and hemodynamic alterations.
• Drug metabolism and potential interactions in the liver are critical considerations for HF pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Congestive hepatopathy is a significant complication of heart failure.
• Understanding liver dysfunction in HF aids in disease staging and treatment.
• This review serves as a guide for clinicians managing HF patients with liver involvement.