Ventricular remodeling.

Ventricular remodeling is an extremely complicated process that is not well understood. There seem to be multiple feedback loops that respond to mechanical events as well as to neurohormonal stimulation, cytokine release, and other, yet unidentified, agents. The progression of ventricular remodeling after the index event includes: Myocyte slippage and thinning of infarct area, chamber dilatation. Fibrosis and scar formation. Collagen strut dissolution and excessive accumulation of interstitial matrix. Increased wall stress. Myocyte hypertrophy. Neurohormonal activation. Cytokine release. Ongoing myocyte hypertrophy. Cell apoptosis and necrosis. Continued deterioration of cardiac function. It is impossible to place the sequence of events in order, because the multiple feedback systems create a complex interactive process. A basic awareness of the pathophysiology of ventricular remodeling can aid in understanding current and future treatments for heart failure. It is clear that therapeutic interventions solely aimed at improving cardiac pump function do not slow the progression of heart failure or reduce mortality. Drugs that block the neuroendocrine contribution to the remodeling process have been shown to have a greater impact. Current therapies with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, beta blockade, and aldosterone antagonism are associated with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality in heart failure. Other therapeutic strategies suggested by knowledge of remodeling mechanisms, such as drugs to block cytokines, endothelins, and MMPs, may offer further benefit to patients with heart failure in the future.