Current heart failure reports
-
Curr Heart Fail Rep · Jun 2008
ReviewAnemia and the potential role of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in heart failure.
The recognition of the high prevalence and the independent prognostic role of anemia in heart failure (HF) has contributed to intensification of the search for an effective treatment. A central role of erythropoietin in cardiorenal anemia syndrome has been proposed. ⋯ The recognition of the pleiotropic effect of erythropoietin has expanded targets of therapy. The ongoing outcomes trial with darbepoetin alfa will determine the role of this novel therapy in the treatment of HF.
-
A unique syndrome of heart failure and transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction precipitated by acute emotional or physical stress has recently emerged in the medical literature. The syndrome is referred to by several names, including stress cardiomyopathy, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, and broken heart syndrome. ⋯ As reports of this condition have increased worldwide during the past 5 years, it has become clear that stress cardiomyopathy has unique clinical features that can be readily distinguished from those of an acute myocardial infarction. This article reviews the clinical features of stress cardiomyopathy and discusses potential pathophysiologic mechanisms of this disorder.