HORMONAL PROFILE IN MILD HEART-FAILURE

Neurohormonal activation is a fundamental component in the pathophysio logy of congestive heart failure. In fact it represents a mechanism co nsecutive to cardiac dysfunction that favours the development of conge stion and of further heart failure through vasoconstriction and water and salt retention. The time of onset and the mechanisms responsible f or neurohormonal activation in heart failure are not defined. This bri ef article reviews this topic and summarizes the findings of studies t hat investigated the dynamic adaptations of hormonal mechanisms in the milder or initial stages of heart failure. An early characterization and detection of the abnormalities of the hormonal responses to salt o r volume changes may be useful for a better comprehension and the trea tment of the initial stage of the disease.