NEUROHORMONAL MECHANISMS IN CONGESTIVE-HEART-FAILURE

Neurohormonal control in congestive heart failure is a broad topic involving several mechanisms: natriuretic peptides, renin-angiotensin, vasopressin, and the autonomic nervous system. New investigations highlighting the role of the endothelium in secreting vasodilating and vasoconstricting agents are covered in this article. Accurate quantification of autonomic nervous system activity is critical to investigations to identify the evolution of autonomic abnormalities in congestive heart failure. New methods are outlined in this article. Other topics covered include natriuretic peptides and their receptors and, also, therapeutic advances using drugs that affect the renin-angiotensin pathway and the autonomic nervous system.