Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025
09:20
Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
6.5K
Heart Failure: a Punch from the Gut
Ajay Mahenthiran1, Jennifer Wilcox2, W H Wilson Tang3,4
1Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Current Heart Failure Reports
|February 1, 2024
Summary
Heart failure (HF) significantly impacts the gut microbiome, leading to a "leaky gut." This gut dysbiosis worsens HF prognosis, highlighting the gut as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is linked to alterations in the gut microbiome.
- Splanchnic vasculature is affected by HF, impacting gut health.
- The "leaky gut" hypothesis suggests increased intestinal permeability contributes to disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms of the gut-heart axis in heart failure pathophysiology.
- To highlight the role of gut dysbiosis in HF comorbidity and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on gut-heart interactions in HF.
- Analysis of the impact of intestinal barrier dysfunction and microbial metabolites on HF.
Main Results:
- HF alters gut microbiome composition and increases intestinal permeability.
- Specific microbial metabolites (SCFAs, TMAO, bile acids) are implicated in worsening HF.
- Gut dysbiosis is a significant factor in HF prognosis.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome and its metabolites play a critical role in heart failure.
- Targeting gut composition presents a promising therapeutic strategy for improving HF outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
1.4K
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
1.4K
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
1.6K
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
1.6K
01:27Anatomy of the Heart
108.7K
The human heart is made up of three layers of tissue that are surrounded by the pericardium, a membrane that protects and confines the heart. The outermost layer, closest to the pericardium, is the epicardium. The pericardial cavity separates the pericardium from the epicardium. Beneath the epicardium is the myocardium, the middle layer, and the endocardium, the innermost layer. There are four chambers of the heart: the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle.
108.7K
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
340
β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation,...
340
01:29Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
399
In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
399
01:16Heart Valves
4.6K
The human heart is a complex organ with an intricate system of valves that regulate blood flow. There are two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
4.6K