The role of neurohumoral systems in the pathophysiology and management of heart failure

Congestive heart failure is a common and lethal disorder. Improved understanding of the pathophysiology has led in recent years to more rational therapeutic regimes. The historical development of modern concepts of the pathophysiology and management of heart failure are outlined, concentrating mainly on the role of neurohumoral systems - the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and sympathetic nervous system. Deficiencies in current knowledge are discussed, from which I outline the objectives of the studies presented in this thesis.