Cardiac remodeling as a consequence and cause of progressive heart failure

Natural history studies in heart failure have shown that increases in left ventricular (LV) volume and LV mass are directly related to future deterior ation in LV performance and a less favorable clinical course. Despite the r ecognized importance of remodeling in heart failure, very little is known a bout the basic mechanisms that lead to cardiac remodeling. In this review w e will summarize recent clinical and experimental studies that highlight th e importance of the remodeling process during the progression of heart fail ure. The intent of this review is to provide an integrated view of the mech anisms that contribute to LV remodeling at the cellular level, the myocardi al level, and the level of the chamber.