Abstract

LOBO MARQUEZ, Lilia Luz; ALVAREZ, Soledad  and  DE LA SERNA, Fernando. Síndrome cardiorrenal: relación amor/odio. Insuf. card. [online]. 2007, vol.2, n.2, pp.62-65. ISSN 1852-3862.

Heart failure (HF) associated to haemodynamic worsening activates compensatory mechanisms in systemic organs of which the kidney plays a key role by regulating electrolyte and volume homeostasis. Sodium and water retention may worsen cardiac function even further by increasing pre-load and after-load pressures which, in turn, leads renal and cardiac dysfunctions combined to enhance the progression of failure in each individual organ. This should be kept in mind in treating HF symptoms when renal function deterioration should be avoided or minimized. Any degree of renal dysfunction, though mild, may increase cardiovascular risks and become associated to higher mortality rates independently of other risk factors. The cardiorenal Syndrome (CRS) may be defined as either renal failure complicating HF, or as HF altering renal function. Several mechanisms have been implicated in the pathophysiology of CRS; some of them are related to insufficient renal perfusion and others to intrinsic kidney disease. Renal dysfunction in HF is not exclusively accounted for by hemodynamic alterations. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), nitric oxide balance/ oxygen reactive species (ORS), inflammation, and the sympathetic nervous system, all play a complex role in the pathophysiology of this process. All such variables might be interrelated and be held responsible for accelerated atherosclerosis, remodeling, left atrial hypertrophy, and the progression of renal disease. Future directions are oriented towards the development of new pharmacological agents displaying a variety of effects on renal hemodynamic processes and tubular function. Aggressive measures such as an earlier use of dialysis and ultrafiltration and, ultimately, left ventricular assist devices are expected to improve outcome in this population. The protection of renal function is the therapeutic goal for HF patients.

Keywords : Cardiorenal; Hemodynamics; Neuro-hormones; Inflammation.

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