Extracardiac features of heart failure: catecholamines and hormonal changes.
Congestive heart failure is a very complex clinical syndrome characterized by a number of important extracardiac features. In an attempt to maintain circulatory homeostasis, there is activation of a number of vasopressor/Na+ retentive forces. Plasma levels of angiotensin, norepinephrine and vasopressin rise, likely contributing to heightened peripheral resistance and antidiuresis. These forces appear to be offset to some extent by vasodilator/Na+ excretion activity in the form of increased prostaglandins, atrial natriuretic factor, and dopamine. There is a complex interplay between these neurohumoral systems in heart failure which is just beginning to be understood.
Francis
G S
GS
Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis.
D002395:Catecholamines / Q000097:blood*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood*; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D014661:Vasoconstriction; D014664:Vasodilation
D002395:Catecholamines; D006728:Hormones