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Role of Inflammation in Heart Failure

  • Evidence Based Medicine (L. Roever, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper aims to discuss the interactions between inflammatory cytokines, immune cells, and heart failure (HF). The association of heart failure with inflammation has led to multiple studies on anti-inflammatory agents in acute and chronic heart failure.

Recent Findings

Recent findings have implicated leukocytes subclasses and multiple inflammatory mediators in the progression of heart failure and cardiovascular disease. Studies have discovered further details on the interaction between immune cells—particularly macrophages and lymphocytes—and inflammation. There are both cell-mediated and cytokine-mediated pathways of inflammation, which are interconnected. Additionally, a number of markers have been used and studied in heart failure disease progression.

Summary

In this review, we discuss inflammatory biomarkers and immune cell mediators involved in HF. We will focus on the correlations and role of these inflammatory mediators in the genesis of HF. We will also discuss the evidence on beneficial effects of anti-inflammatory agents in the setting of chronic HF.

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Correspondence to Jawahar L. Mehta.

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Lily F. Shirazi, Joe Bissett, Francesco Romeo, and Jawahar L. Mehta declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Shirazi, L.F., Bissett, J., Romeo, F. et al. Role of Inflammation in Heart Failure. Curr Atheroscler Rep 19, 27 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-017-0660-3

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