Mechanisms and management of renal dysfunction in heart failure

The syndrome of congestive heart failure is characterized by activation of many neurohormonal systems with vasoconstrictor and vasodilator actions. Data suggest that the stimulus that evokes this response is a threat to the arterial blood pressure. The long-term consequences of this response on the kidney are retention of sodium and water. Strategies designed to reverse the effects of these neurohormones on the kidney have so far had limited success.