[Pathophysiology of left ventricular hypertrophy in arterial hypertension]

Abstract

The role of left ventricular hypertrophy as an independent risk factor for subsequent cardio-vascular events is well established, therefore the authors, in this brief review, describe the endocrine function of the heart and the role played by various factors, including hormones, in the development of cardiac remodeling during the course of hypertension. They then outline the present state of our knowledge concerning transmembrane signaling in the cardiomyocyte in response to an activation of specific receptors for vasoactive hormones of the renin-angiotensin II-aldosterone system.