Novel biomarkers in heart failure: an overview.
Heart failure is a complex systemic syndrome resulting from significant impairment of cardiac function. A vast array of biological pathways is now known to be involved in heart failure, including deleterious pathways promoting its development and progression, as well as compensatory cardioprotective pathways. Some of the components of these pathways are now recognized as biomarkers of this condition, and can aid diagnosis, prognostication and guide management. As the understanding of the pathophysiology of heart failure progresses, further candidate biomarkers are being identified. This article reviews the literature regarding the more recently identified biomarkers and outlines areas requiring further study.
Dalzell
Jonathan R
JR
British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK. j.dalzell@nhs.net
Jackson
Colette E
CE
McDonagh
Theresa A
TA
Gardner
Roy S
RS