Biomarkers to Predict Reverse Remodeling and Myocardial Recovery in Heart Failure

Abstract

Left ventricular remodeling appears to be a critical link between cardiac injury and the development and progression of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Several drug and device therapies that modify and reverse the remodeling process in patients with HFrEF are closely associated with improvement in clinical outcomes. Reverse remodeling, including partial or complete recovery of systolic function and structure, is possible but its determinants are incompletely understood. Methods to predict reverse remodeling in response to therapy are not well defined. Though non-invasive imaging techniques remain the most widely used methods of assessing reverse remodeling, serum biomarkers are now being investigated as more specific, mechanistically driven, and clinically useful predictors of reverse remodeling. Biomarkers that reflect myocyte stretch and stress, myocyte injury and necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis, and extracellular matrix turnover may be particularly valuable for predicting pathophysiologic changes and prognosis in individual patients. Their use may ultimately allow improved application of precision medicine in chronic HF.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Chronic heart failure; Myocardial recovery; Reverse remodeling.