Increased aldosteron secretion in patients with chronic heart failure and approaches to its normalization

Aldosterone – is a hormone produced by the adrenatl cortex. It is the most active mineralocorticoid, that plays a central role in the regulation of blood pressure mainly by acting on kidneys to increase the amount of sodium reabsorption and potassium and hydrogen urinary excretion. The aldosterone secretion depends on (1) the renin-angiotensin system activity; (2) the sodium and potassium serum concentration; (3) the adrenocorticotropic hormone level; (4) the prostaglandins and the kallikrein-kinin system activity. The mineralocorticoid receptors are activated by aldosterone to promote its effects. Such receptors are expressed in the kidneys, and also in the endothelium and the vascular smooth muscle, heart and central nervous system. Aldosterone participates in the regulation of sodium and water balance by the volume-dependent mechanism. The functional state of the liver that metabolizes aldosterone has a significant impact on plasma aldosterone activity. Slowed metabolism of aldosterone in patients with liver dysfunction associated with chronic heart failure patients results in hyperaldosteronism.

Key words

Aldosterone, chronic heart failure, hyperaldosteronism, metabolism.