Heart Failure in the Molecular Era: Redefining Our Understanding of Disease Mechanisms and Perspectives
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a global health challenge characterized by the heart's inability to satisfy metabolic demands, driven by renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) overactivation, a neurohormonal imbalance, and emerging mechanisms like the gut-heart axis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Affecting over 6 million adults in the US alone, HF incurs a 5-year mortality rate of 50% and escalating costs projected to double by 2030. This review examines HF's molecular paradigms, integrating established pathways with advances in omics, stem cell therapy, genetic modification, and personalized medicine. The RAAS blockade remains central, yet its efficacy is limited in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Stem cell therapies (mesenchymal and induced pluripotent stem cells) show regenerative potential but face poor retention (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Pluripotent Stem Cells Research
Congenital heart defects research
Cardiac Fibrosis and Remodeling
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Biomedicines
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 486–486
- Publication date
- 23 February 2026
- Language
- EN