The historical evolution of knowledge of the involvement of neurohormonal systems in the pathophysiology and treatment of heart failure

Abstract

Our knowledge of the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) underwent profound changes during the 1980s. Once thought to be of exclusively structural origin, HF began to be seen as the consequence of hormonal imbalance. A number of seminal studies were published in that decade focusing on the impact of neurohormonal activation in HF. Presently, eight neurohormonal systems are known to have a key role in HF development: four stimulate vasoconstriction and sodium/water retention (the sympathetic nervous system, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system [RAAS], endothelin, and the vasopressin-arginine system), while the other four stimulate vasodilation and natriuresis (the prostaglandin system, nitric oxide, the dopaminergic system, and the natriuretic peptide system [NPS]). These systems are strongly interconnected and are subject to intricate regulation, functioning together in a delicate homeostasis. Disruption of this homeostasis is characteristic of HF. This review explores the historical development of knowledge on the impact of the neurohormonal systems on HF pathophysiology, from the first studies to current understanding. In addition, the therapeutic potential of each of these systems is discussed, and currently used neurohormonal antagonists are characterized. Special emphasis is given to the latest drug approved for use in HF with reduced ejection fraction, sacubitril/valsartan. This drug combines two different molecules, acting on two different systems (RAAS and NPS) simultaneously.