AVP receptor antagonists in patients with CHF.

In the Adhere (Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Registry) National Registry, hyponatremia (serum sodium <130 mEq/l) at clinical presentation was noted in 5% of patients with HF. The enhanced release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) can lead to hyponatremia by binding to the V2 receptor results in free-water retention and hyponatremia. Given the central role of AVP in causing hyponatremia in patients with congestive heart failure, decreasing vasopressin activity has been a therapeutic focus. With no current therapy to decrease production of AVP, attention was turned to decreasing the effect of AVP by blocking the receptor.