Purpose of review: In heart failure, whether it is associated with reduced or preserved ejection fraction, the immune system is activated and contributes to heart remodeling and impaired function.
Recent findings: Studies indicate that cells of the immune system not only play a role in the pathology but are also critical regulators of heart function. Knowledge about the role of the immune system driving heart failure will lead to the development of new targets to this system, particularly in those patients that, despite the apparent wellness, relapse and worsen. In this review, we will address the diverse mechanisms that trigger inflammation and their impact on heart failure progression.
Keywords: Acute inflammation; Heart failure; Inflammasome; Reduced ejection fraction and preserved ejection fraction; Systemic inflammation.