Endocrine causes of heart failure: A clinical primer for cardiologists

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) is a common clinical syndrome.
• Endocrine disorders are an underrecognized cause of HF.
• HF can be the initial presentation of endocrine diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse ways endocrine diseases manifest as heart failure.
• To emphasize the importance of considering endocrine causes in HF evaluation.
• To guide clinicians in diagnosing and managing HF secondary to endocrine disorders.

Main Methods:

• This is a clinically oriented review.
• Literature search on endocrine disorders and heart failure.
• Synthesis of information on clinical presentations and pathophysiology.

Main Results:

• Endocrine-related HF presents acutely (hypertensive crisis, Takotsubo, cardiomyopathies) or chronically (hyperdynamic, hypertrophic, restrictive, dilated cardiomyopathy).
• Rare presentations include constrictive features, resistant HF, pulmonary hypertension, and right heart failure.
• Effective management of the underlying endocrine disorder can often reverse cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Heart failure is a significant manifestation of various endocrine disorders.
• Thorough patient history, physical examination, and targeted investigations are crucial for diagnosis.
• Early identification and management of endocrine causes can lead to significant improvement in HF patients.