Novel therapeutic approaches to preserve the right ventricle

Curr Heart Fail Rep. 2013 Mar;10(1):12-7. doi: 10.1007/s11897-012-0119-3.

Abstract

The right ventricle (RV) is increasingly recognized for its role in heart disease. In fact, RV function is a strong predictor of outcome in patients with cardiovascular disease. Although the focus in heart failure has been on the left ventricle (LV), recently the spotlight has been shifting to include the RV. The RV and LV have different embryological origins and respond differently to stressors and to therapies. Newer therapies targeting the RV have been investigated in an attempt to improve right-ventricular adaptation to cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the differences between the RV and LV and focus on novel therapies that target the RV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Heart Ventricles / embryology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / drug therapy
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / drug therapy*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Function, Right / physiology

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists