Features of (reverse) remodeling in heart failure

Abstract

The heart of end stage heart failure patients was the subject of this study. On tissue level the remodeling proces, developing in progressive heart failure, is characterized by hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and interstitial fibrosis. During mechanical support 'reverse' remodeling is observed with (partial) normalisation of cardiomyocytes and extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to obtain biological parameters giving information about the (reverse) remodeling status of the diseased myocardium and the possibility to influence these processes successfully.