Cardiac remodeling as a consequence and cause of progressive heart failure
K Kurrelmeyer1, D Kalra, B Bozkurt
1Winters Center for Heart Failure Research, Houston, Texas, USA.
Insights
Cardiac remodeling, including increased left ventricular (LV) volume and mass, worsens heart failure outcomes. This review explores the cellular and chamber-level mechanisms driving this detrimental remodeling process.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Heart Failure Research
- Cardiac Physiology
Background:
- Natural history studies link increased left ventricular (LV) volume and mass to poor prognosis in heart failure.
- Cardiac remodeling is crucial in heart failure progression, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current clinical and experimental findings on cardiac remodeling in heart failure.
- To provide an integrated perspective on the mechanisms of LV remodeling at cellular, myocardial, and chamber levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent clinical and experimental studies.
- Synthesis of data on the mechanisms contributing to left ventricular remodeling.
Main Results:
- Increased LV volume and mass correlate with decreased LV performance and adverse clinical outcomes.
- Remodeling mechanisms operate at multiple biological levels, from cellular changes to chamber dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the mechanisms of cardiac remodeling is essential for improving heart failure management.
- Further research into cellular and myocardial pathways is needed to target LV remodeling effectively.
Abstract:
Natural history studies in heart failure have shown that increases in left ventricular (LV) volume and LV mass are directly related to future deterioration in LV performance and a less favorable clinical course. Despite the recognized importance of remodeling in heart failure, very little is known about the basic mechanisms that lead to cardiac remodeling. In this review, we will summarize recent clinical and experimental studies that highlight the importance of the remodeling process during the progression of heart failure. The intent of this review is to provide an integrated view of the mechanisms that contribute to LV remodeling at the cellular level, the myocardial level, and the level of the chamber.
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