Therapeutic Applications Targeting the Cardiac Lymphatics in Heart Disease

Abstract

The lymphatic system performs important roles in various essential body functions, such as fluid homeostasis, trafficking of immune cells, and intestinal lipid absorption. Despite its important roles, the lymphatic system of the heart has largely been overlooked due to its grossly invisible nature. The cardiac lymphatic system plays important roles in myocardial fluid homeostasis, controlling inflammation and infection. Because this system can contribute to various stages of myocardial infarction and inflammation, the study of this lymphatic system can elucidate the pathologic process of many cardiovascular diseases. Also, the role of the cardiac lymphatic system should be considered in the management of patients with cardiac diseases with increased risk of myocardial edema such as myopericarditis or heart failure. In this chapter, we discuss how the cardiac lymphatic system can contribute to the regulation of cardiovascular disease and provide potential therapeutic applications related to this important network of vessels.