Heart Pathophysiology

733 Words2 Pages

These causes will change the heart significantly. The pathophysiology of heart failure is described differently as: (1) an oedematous disorder, by means of which the deviations in renal hemodynamics and excretory ability lead to salt and water holding; (2) a hemodynamic disorder, considered by peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased cardiac output; (3) a neurohormonal disorder, mainly by stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and adrenergic nervous system; (4) an inflammatory syndrome, related with amplified local and circulation pro-inflammatory cytokines; (5) a myocardial disease, started with an damage to the heart trailed by pathological ventricular transformation. In heart failure, the heart sustains either a sudden or longstanding structural injury. When damage occurs, sequences of firstly compensatory but consequently maladaptive mechanisms follow (Henry & Abraham, ). Many compensatory mechanisms are stimulated in heart failure. These mechanisms involve rising ventricular preload, or the Frank-Starling mechanism, by ventricular dilatation and volume expansion, peripheral vasoconstriction to firstly sustains perfusion to significant organs, myocardial hypertrophy to protect wall strain as the heart expands, kidney sodium and water retention to improve ventricular preload, and start of the adrenergic nervous system, which elevates heart beat and contractile function. The activation of neurohormonal vasoconstrictor systems, which include RAAS, the adrenergic nervous system, and non-osmotic release of vasopressin will control these compensatory mechanisms (Henry & Abraham). These mechanisms contribute to the signs and symptoms of heart failure. However, the manifestations are nonspecific and do...

... middle of paper ...

...ilure is highly among the older populations and in developing nations. As individuals age, they are more prone to hypertension, atrial fibrillation, CAD, DM, MI and obesity, etc., leading to heart failure. Abnormalities of heart function are higher with increasing decade of life, particularly from age 50 years. Besides, the comorbidities occurs more in developed countries due to the different lifestyles. More people in developing countries are obese, diabetic and living longer, etc. All these issue stress the heart and eventually lead to heart failure (Krum & Abraham, ). Heart failure is common condition with many illnesses and condition. Knowing the illnesses and conditions that can cause heart failure will reduce the chance of having heart failure. Treat and control the conditions and illnesses can decrease the occurrence of heart failure even further.

Open Document