Overview
Clinical Meaning
Heart Failure Advanced centers on progressive myocardial dysfunction.
FNP
FNP
Heart Failure Advanced centers on progressive myocardial dysfunction. In systolic HF (HFrEF, EF <=40%), cardiomyocyte loss from ischemia, toxins, or genetic causes reduces contractile force. Compensatory neurohormonal activation (RAAS, sympathetic nervous system, natriuretic peptides) initially maintains cardiac output but chronically causes adverse remodeling: ventricular dilation, interstitial fibrosis, and further myocyte apoptosis. Elevated angiotensin II promotes vasoconstriction, aldosterone-mediated sodium/water retention, and myocardial fibrosis. Sustained sympathetic activation causes beta-receptor downregulation and direct myocyte toxicity. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is released from stretched ventricular myocytes.
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