Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Cirrhosis is associated with hyperdynamic circulation, which consists of peripheral vasodilatation and increased cardiac output. Peripheral vasodilatation is central to hyperdynamic circulation and portal hypertension in cirrhosis. However, those mechanisms underlying hyperdynamic circulation remain elusive, and are not fully understood. ⋯ Clinically, these patients present with sodium fluid retention, and strain often unmasks the presence of latent heart failure. No specific treatment can yet be recommended, but caution should be used with respect to procedures that may stress the heart such as shunt implantation and liver transplantation. Ultimately, additional research will be necessary to more accurately describe the prevalence, impact, and morbidity and survival rates for CCM, and to identify potential treatments.