The Cardiomyocyte in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction-Victim of Its Environment?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pathophysiology
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly prevalent, representing the majority of heart failure cases.
• Current medical therapies lack efficacy in improving cardiovascular outcomes for HFpEF patients, highlighting a significant unmet clinical need.
• The heterogeneity of HFpEF patients and incomplete understanding of its pathophysiology hinder the development of effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current knowledge on HFpEF pathophysiology, integrating findings from animal models and human studies.
• To explore the role of comorbidities in HFpEF and their impact on cellular mechanisms.
• To identify potential new therapeutic targets by bridging the gap between cardiomyocyte pathophysiology and clinical observations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review integrating data from animal models of HFpEF and human clinical studies.
• Analysis of cellular pathophysiology and the role of comorbidities in HFpEF.
• Synthesis of observational data to connect molecular mechanisms with clinical manifestations.

Main Results:

• Animal models have provided novel insights into the cellular pathophysiology of HFpEF, particularly concerning the role of prevalent comorbidities.
• Evidence suggests that previously overlooked cellular mechanisms contribute to HFpEF.
• A convergence of cardiomyocyte-focused research and clinical data is emerging.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of HFpEF pathophysiology, informed by animal models and human data, is crucial for developing effective therapies.
• Targeting cellular mechanisms and considering the impact of comorbidities may lead to new therapeutic strategies for HFpEF.
• Further research integrating basic science and clinical findings holds promise for improving outcomes in HFpEF patients.