[Neurohormonal assessment in heart failure: from the sophisticated laboratory to practical indications]

Abstract

Heart failure is a syndrome characterized by the activation of neurohumoral mechanisms (sympathoadrenergic, renin-angiotensin, vasopressin) which cause peripheral vasoconstriction, sodium retention and myocardial hypertrophy. In acute myocardial disfunction these systems can play a critical role in patient survival, however, they can directly worsen myocardial function and patient prognosis on a long-term basis. Other neurohumoral systems activated in heart failure (atrial natriuretic factor, prostaglandins, dopamine) tend to counterbalance the vasoconstrictive, sodium retentive mechanisms. Though their secretion is increased in heart failure, it is however not sufficient, and peripheral vasoconstriction and sodium retention prevail. Moreover the role of local factors, such as tissue renin-angiotensin system, EDRF and endothelin secretion has been recently pointed out. Neurohumoral activation is directly related to the severity of the clinical and hemodynamic impairment and prognosis of the patient with heart failure. A thorough evaluation of the neurohumoral mechanisms is therefore of paramount importance for the assessment of patients with heart failure. Neurohumoral activation can be roughly assessed using some simple laboratory measurements: plasma sodium concentration, for example, is inversely related to the degree of activation of many neurohormones such as norepinephrine, angiotensin II, vasopressin and atrial natriuretic factor. The method most commonly used to assess neurohumoral activity relies on the direct measurement of the plasma concentrations. It must be noted, however, that plasma levels are critically dependent on many factors besides hormone secretion and metabolism. For example, 3-4 days on a low sodium diet or standing for at least 2 hours can increase plasma renin activity in a normal subject from 1.5 to 5-10 pg/ml/hr. Plasma concentrations of neurohormones are related to the factors controlling their secretion: for example, "normal" values of plasma renin activity in presence of fluid retention and edema are to be judged as excessively elevated. Autonomic nervous system activity can also be assessed studying reflexes in which this system is involved (orthostasis, cold pressor test, phenylephrine test...). Another method consists in the study of the spontaneous variability of some parameters controlled by this system, such as heart rate and blood pressure. The most reliable method is based on the power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. With this last method, a low frequency component depending mainly on sympathetic activity and an high frequency component depending on vagal activity can be identified in heart rate variability. Thus, complex phenomena such as sympatho-vagal balance can be easily studied through simple noninvasive tools.