HEART FAILURE: PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS

Аннотация

This article explores the physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. The paper discusses the normal functions of the heart, how these functions are compromised in heart failure, and the key contributing factors such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cardiomyopathies. Special attention is given to the compensatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system, including neurohormonal responses and structural remodeling, as well as their long- term consequences. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention of complications associated with heart failure. Keywords: heart failure, cardiac dysfunction, myocardial infarction, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, neurohormonal activation, ventricular remodeling, stroke volume, cardiac output, preload, afterload, compensatory mechanisms