Physiologic Basis and Pathophysiologic Implications of the Diastolic Properties of the Cardiac Muscle

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Ferreira-Martins J (Author) FMUP; Leite-Moreira AF (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology

Vol. 2010 No. 807084

Pages: 1-12

ISSN: 1110-7243

Publisher: HINDAWI PUBLISHING CORPORATION

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 13 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-BJD

DOI: 10.1155/2010/807084

Abstract (EN): Although systole was for long considered the core of cardiac function, hemodynamic performance is evenly dependent on appropriate systolic and diastolic functions. The recognition that isolated diastolic dysfunction is the major culprit for approximately fifty percent of all heart failure cases imposes a deeper understanding of its underlying mechanisms so that better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies can be designed. Risk factors leading to diastolic dysfunction affect myocardial relaxation and/or its material properties by disrupting the homeostasis of cardiomyocytes as well as their relation with surrounding matrix and vascular structures. As a consequence, slower ventricular relaxation and higher myocardial stiffness may result in higher ventricular filling pressures and in the risk of hemodynamic decompensation. Thus, determining the mechanisms of diastolic function and their implications in the pathophysiology of heart failure with normal ejection fraction has become a prominent field in basic and clinical research.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12