Neurohormonal activity in congestive heart failure.

Abstract

One important indicator of increased activity of the neurohormonal vasoconstrictor systems is the finding that the average plasma level of each neurohormone is frequently increased in patients with congestive heart failure. There is general agreement that these levels do reflect increased activity of the renin angiotensin system, the sympathetic nervous system, and the arginine vasopressin pathway. Plasma renin activity is influenced by many factors that can stimulate or suppress its release into the circulation. Several important areas are being investigated that may provide insight into the mechanisms by which neurohormonal vasoconstrictor systems regulate tone.