pharmacological aspects of cardiac remodeling

Abstract

The notion of LV remodeling and its clinical implications have been progressively expanded. Cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease, myocarditis, and dilated cardiomyopathy all progress in part due to cardiac remodeling. Along with cardiac myocytes, the remodeling process involves fibroblasts, extracellular matrix proteins, and the coronary vasculature. Cardiac remodeling is linked to changes in a variety of mediators, including neurohumoral hormones, cytokines, enzymes, ion channels, oxidative stress, and mechanical stress. While remodeling is primarily an adaptive reaction to maintain normal cardiac function, it becomes maladaptive with time and results in progressive decompensation. Recent research has tried to understand the molecular processes driving cardiac remodeling and to create new HF treatment methods. Modulating the remodeling process has been shown to be helpful in reversing the progression of HF.