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name: Heart Failure
creation_date: '2025-12-18T17:01:35Z'
updated_date: '2026-02-17T21:53:14Z'
category: Complex
parents:
- Cardiovascular Disease
disease_term:
preferred_term: heart failure
term:
id: MONDO:0005252
label: heart failure
has_subtypes:
- name: Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
description: Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40%, systolic
dysfunction predominates.
- name: Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)
description: Left ventricular ejection fraction 50% or greater, diastolic
dysfunction predominates.
- name: Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFmrEF)
description: Left ventricular ejection fraction 41-49%, intermediate
phenotype.
pathophysiology:
- name: Myocardial Contractile Dysfunction
description: >
Reduced cardiac output due to impaired ventricular contraction (systolic dysfunction)
or relaxation (diastolic dysfunction). The heart cannot meet metabolic demands.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Cardiomyocyte
term:
id: CL:0000746
label: cardiac muscle cell
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: Cardiac Contraction
term:
id: GO:0060047
label: heart contraction
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33432192
reference_title: "Cellular and molecular pathobiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction."
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: "Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) affects half
of all patients with heart failure worldwide, is increasing in prevalence, confers
substantial morbidity and mortality, and has very few effective treatments."
explanation: This review discusses the prevalence and severity of HFpEF, a
form characterized by diastolic dysfunction rather than systolic
dysfunction, demonstrating the importance of both contractile mechanisms
in heart failure.
- reference: PMID:40892534
reference_title: "Left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: mechanisms and treatment."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Myocardial fibrosis and its surrogate changes in LV structure and geometry
lead to functional impairments such as increased diastolic stiffness and elevated
filling pressures and are associated with reduced exercise tolerance and poor
prognosis in patients with HFpEF."
explanation: This demonstrates how structural changes lead to diastolic
dysfunction and impaired cardiac output, supporting the mechanism of
contractile dysfunction in heart failure.
- name: Neurohormonal Activation
description: >
Compensatory activation of RAAS and sympathetic nervous system initially
maintains cardiac output but leads to maladaptive remodeling, sodium
retention, and progressive dysfunction.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: RAAS Activation
term:
id: GO:0002018
label: renin-angiotensin regulation of aldosterone production
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37895150
reference_title: "Neurohumoral Activation in Heart Failure."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "In patients with heart failure (HF), the neuroendocrine systems of the
sympathetic nervous system (SNS), the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
and the arginine vasopressin (AVP) system, are activated to various degrees
producing often-observed tachycardia and concomitant increased systemic vascular
resistance."
explanation: This directly confirms the activation of neurohormonal systems
(RAAS and SNS) in heart failure patients, supporting the compensatory
mechanism described.
- reference: PMID:37895150
reference_title: "Neurohumoral Activation in Heart Failure."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Furthermore, sustained neurohormonal activation plays a key role in
the progression of HF and may be responsible for the pathogenetic mechanisms
leading to the perpetuation of the pathophysiology and worsening of the HF signs
and symptoms."
explanation: This supports the concept that while initially compensatory,
sustained neurohormonal activation leads to maladaptive effects and
disease progression.
- reference: PMID:33432192
reference_title: "Cellular and molecular pathobiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction."
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: "This multiorgan involvement makes HFpEF difficult to model in experimental
animals because the condition is not simply cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension
with abnormal myocardial relaxation."
explanation: This highlights the complexity of neurohormonal effects
extending beyond the heart to multiple organ systems in heart failure
pathophysiology.
- name: Ventricular Remodeling
description: >
Structural changes including ventricular dilation, hypertrophy, and
fibrosis that initially compensate but eventually worsen heart function.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Cardiac Fibroblast
term:
id: CL:0002548
label: fibroblast of cardiac tissue
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: Cardiac Remodeling
term:
id: GO:0060420
label: regulation of heart growth
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40892534
reference_title: "Left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: mechanisms and treatment."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Comorbidities such as hypertension, obesity, or diabetes are present
in many HFpEF patients and are hypothesized to contribute to adverse cardiac
remodelling and myocardial fibrosis through a variety of haemodynamic and metabolic
impairments, with nearly half of all HFpEF patients exhibiting left ventricular
(LV) hypertrophy or concentric remodelling."
explanation: This demonstrates the prevalence and mechanisms of ventricular
remodeling including hypertrophy and fibrosis in heart failure patients,
particularly in HFpEF.
- reference: PMID:38636927
reference_title: "Leukocyte Ig-like receptor B4 (Lilrb4a) alleviates cardiac dysfunction and isoproterenol-induced arrhythmogenic remodeling associated with cardiac fibrosis and inflammation."
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: "Heart failure is usually accompanied by activation of the sympathetic
nerve, and excessive activation of the sympathetic nerve promotes cardiac remodeling
and cardiac dysfunction. In the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced animal model, it
is often accompanied by myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation."
explanation: This confirms that cardiac remodeling, including hypertrophy
and fibrosis, is a key pathophysiological mechanism promoted by
sympathetic activation in heart failure.
- reference: PMID:38636927
reference_title: "Leukocyte Ig-like receptor B4 (Lilrb4a) alleviates cardiac dysfunction and isoproterenol-induced arrhythmogenic remodeling associated with cardiac fibrosis and inflammation."
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: "Lilrb4a alleviates cardiac dysfunction and ISO-induced arrhythmogenic
remodeling associated with cardiac fibrosis and inflammation through the regulation
of NF-κB signaling and MAPK signaling activation."
explanation: This identifies specific signaling pathways (NF-κB and MAPK)
involved in cardiac remodeling and fibrosis, demonstrating the molecular
mechanisms underlying structural changes.
- name: Fluid Retention
description: >
Impaired sodium excretion leads to volume overload, causing pulmonary
and peripheral edema. Results from reduced renal perfusion and
neurohormonal activation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36769308
reference_title: "Chronic Kidney Disease as a Comorbidity in Heart Failure."
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: "The pathophysiology between the heart and the kidneys is bidirectional.
Common mechanisms leading to the dysfunction of these organs result in a vicious
cycle of cardiorenal deterioration."
explanation: This demonstrates the bidirectional relationship between heart
and kidney dysfunction that leads to fluid retention in heart failure
through cardiorenal mechanisms.
- reference: PMID:36769308
reference_title: "Chronic Kidney Disease as a Comorbidity in Heart Failure."
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: "As the worsening of renal function has an undeniably negative impact
on the outcomes in patients with HF, searching for new treatment strategies
and identification of biomarkers is necessary."
explanation: This emphasizes the critical role of renal dysfunction in heart
failure pathophysiology and outcomes, supporting the mechanism of fluid
retention through impaired kidney function.
phenotypes:
- name: Dyspnea
category: Respiratory
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Dyspnea
term:
id: HP:0002094
label: Dyspnea
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40892534
reference_title: "Left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: mechanisms and treatment."
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: "Myocardial fibrosis and its surrogate changes in LV structure and geometry
lead to functional impairments such as increased diastolic stiffness and elevated
filling pressures and are associated with reduced exercise tolerance and poor
prognosis in patients with HFpEF."
explanation: Dyspnea results from elevated filling pressures and reduced
exercise tolerance caused by diastolic dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis
in heart failure.
- name: Peripheral Edema
category: Cardiovascular
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Peripheral Edema
term:
id: HP:0012398
label: Peripheral edema
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36769308
reference_title: "Chronic Kidney Disease as a Comorbidity in Heart Failure."
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: "The pathophysiology between the heart and the kidneys is bidirectional.
Common mechanisms leading to the dysfunction of these organs result in a vicious
cycle of cardiorenal deterioration."
explanation: Peripheral edema results from the cardiorenal interaction where
reduced cardiac output leads to renal dysfunction, sodium retention, and
fluid accumulation in peripheral tissues.
- name: Fatigue
category: Systemic
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Fatigue
term:
id: HP:0012378
label: Fatigue
- name: Orthopnea
category: Respiratory
frequency: FREQUENT
notes: Dyspnea when lying flat
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Orthopnea
term:
id: HP:0012764
label: Orthopnea
- name: Exercise Intolerance
category: Cardiovascular
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Exercise Intolerance
term:
id: HP:0003546
label: Exercise intolerance
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40892534
reference_title: "Left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: mechanisms and treatment."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Myocardial fibrosis and its surrogate changes in LV structure and geometry
lead to functional impairments such as increased diastolic stiffness and elevated
filling pressures and are associated with reduced exercise tolerance and poor
prognosis in patients with HFpEF."
explanation: Exercise intolerance in heart failure is directly caused by
increased diastolic stiffness and elevated filling pressures from
myocardial fibrosis and structural remodeling.
- name: Cardiomegaly
category: Cardiovascular
frequency: FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cardiomegaly
term:
id: HP:0001640
label: Cardiomegaly
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38636927
reference_title: "Leukocyte Ig-like receptor B4 (Lilrb4a) alleviates cardiac dysfunction and isoproterenol-induced arrhythmogenic remodeling associated with cardiac fibrosis and inflammation."
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: "In the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced animal model, it is often accompanied
by myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation."
explanation: Cardiomegaly in heart failure results from myocardial
hypertrophy, which is a structural adaptation to increased workload and
sympathetic activation.
biochemical:
- name: BNP/NT-proBNP
presence: Elevated
context: Diagnostic and prognostic biomarker
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37895150
reference_title: "Neurohumoral Activation in Heart Failure."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "There are biomarkers of activation of these neurohormonal pathways,
such as the natriuretic peptides, catecholamine levels and neprilysin and various
newer ones, which may be employed to better understand the mechanisms of HF
drugs and also aid in defining the subgroups of patients who might benefit from
specific therapies."
explanation: BNP and NT-proBNP are natriuretic peptides that serve as
biomarkers of neurohormonal activation in heart failure, useful for
diagnosis and therapeutic guidance.
- name: Troponin
presence: Elevated
context: May be chronically elevated in heart failure
genetic:
- name: TTN
association: Causative
notes: Titin mutations cause dilated cardiomyopathy
- name: MYH7
association: Causative
notes: Causes hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy
- name: LMNA
association: Causative
notes: Lamin A/C mutations cause cardiomyopathy
environmental:
- name: Hypertension
notes: Major cause of heart failure
- name: Coronary Artery Disease
notes: Leading cause of HFrEF
- name: Alcohol Abuse
notes: Can cause alcoholic cardiomyopathy
- name: Obesity
notes: Risk factor for HFpEF
treatments:
- name: ACE Inhibitors/ARBs
description: Neurohormonal blockade, reduce mortality in HFrEF.
- name: Beta Blockers
description: Reduce heart rate and reverse remodeling in HFrEF.
- name: ARNI (Sacubitril/Valsartan)
description: Combined neprilysin inhibitor and ARB, superior to ACE
inhibitors.
- name: SGLT2 Inhibitors
description: Reduce hospitalizations and mortality across HF spectrum.
- name: Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists
description: Spironolactone or eplerenone for additional neurohormonal
blockade.
- name: Diuretics
description: Manage fluid overload and congestion symptoms.
- name: Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
description: For patients with wide QRS and reduced EF.
- name: Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
description: Prevents sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients.
classifications:
harrisons_chapter:
- classification_value: CARDIOVASCULAR
datasets:
references:
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s41569-020-00480-6
title: Cellular and molecular pathobiology of heart failure with preserved
ejection fraction
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1
title: Pathophysiological insights into HFpEF from studies of human cardiac
tissue
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.1101/2025.04.02.646923
title: Deciphering human heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
(HFpEF) at single cell resolution
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w
title: 'Cardiometabolic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: from molecular
signatures to personalized treatment'
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3390/cells14050324
title: Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Heart Failure and Their Therapeutic
Potential
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.53846/goediss-10367
title: Mechanistic differences in mouse models of heart failure with preserved
ejection fraction
findings: []
Disease Pathophysiology Research Report
Target Disease - Disease Name: Heart Failure (HF) - MONDO ID: MONDO:0002025 - Category: Complex
Pathophysiology description (current understanding and key definitions) Heart failure is a clinical syndrome arising from structural and/or functional cardiac abnormalities that impair the heart’s ability to fill and/or eject blood, leading to symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, fatigue) and signs (e.g., edema) of congestion. Mechanistically, HF spans phenotypes with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Across the spectrum, convergent molecular and cellular processes drive maladaptive remodeling: neurohormonal activation (RAAS, sympathetic drive, natriuretic peptide axis), endothelial and coronary microvascular dysfunction with impaired NO–sGC–cGMP signaling, cardiac fibrosis and myofibroblast activation (TGF-β/SMAD), inflammation with immune–fibroblast crosstalk, metabolic and mitochondrial remodeling with oxidative stress and altered substrate use (including increased reliance on ketone bodies), and cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling and sarcomere/titin stiffness abnormalities. These lesions unfold within the myocardium and the coronary microvasculature and are modulated by extracardiac organs (adipose, liver, kidney), particularly in cardiometabolic HFpEF. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15, gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3)
Recent developments and latest research (2023–2024 prioritized) - Microvascular/endothelial and NO–sGC–cGMP impairment in HFpEF: Human tissue–based syntheses emphasize microvascular endothelial dysfunction, reduced NO bioavailability, and cGMP/PKG signaling defects as central nodes linking comorbidities to cardiomyocyte stiffness and diastolic dysfunction; restoring cGMP acutely via PDE inhibition, sGC stimulation, or SGLT2 inhibition improves myocardial function. “Enhancing cGMP signalling acutely via PDE9A or PDE5 inhibition, sGC stimulation or SGLT2 inhibition improves myocardial function.” (Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) - Fibrosis and ECM stiffness: Human myocardial analyses integrate collagen and titin contributions to stiffness, with ECM remodeling and titin phosphorylation as key determinants of diastolic properties. (Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24) - Immune–fibroblast crosstalk at single-cell resolution: A 2025 single-nucleus human HFpEF atlas reported cardiomyocyte metabolic repression, endothelial apoptosis signaling and reduced VEGF signaling, macrophage proinflammatory states (MHC-II up), and fibroblast activation; intriguingly, exogenous IFN-γ reduced collagen output from human cardiac fibroblasts (bioRxiv, 2025; DOI: 10.1101/2025.04.02.646923; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.02.646923). (zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5) - Ca2+ handling and sarcomere/titin in HFpEF: Mouse HFpEF models (2024) highlight increased phosphorylation of CaMKII, RyR2, and phospholamban with pronounced Ca2+ dysregulation, and ECM gene activation; endothelial dysfunction and titin hypophosphorylation are linked to impaired diastolic reserve. (ArXiv dissertation, 2024; DOI: 10.53846/goediss-10367; https://doi.org/10.53846/goediss-10367). (swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 14-18, swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 22-25) - Cardiometabolic HFpEF (obesity/diabetes phenotype): Recent review synthesizes metabolic remodeling, immune activation, microvascular dysfunction, and chromatin changes as defining cmHFpEF biology, aligning with trials supporting SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in obese HFpEF. (Cardiovascular Diabetology, 2025; DOI: 10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w; https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w). (gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) - Systems view across HF: A comprehensive 2025 review enumerates core mechanisms—mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, ER stress, impaired autophagy, lipotoxicity, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and defective contractility/Ca2+ handling—as therapeutic targets, noting differences between HFrEF (more myocyte loss) and HFpEF (stiffness, inflammation, microvasculature). (Cells, 2025; DOI: 10.3390/cells14050324; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14050324). (fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2)
Current applications and real-world implementations (therapy links) - cGMP axis: Given impaired NO–sGC–cGMP signaling, strategies that enhance cGMP (e.g., PDE5/PDE9 inhibition, sGC stimulation) or augment natriuretic peptides and NP-derived cGMP (e.g., SGLT2 inhibitors’ indirect effects) can improve myocardial function in HFpEF mechanistic studies. (10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1; 2025). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) - Guideline-directed HF therapies mapped to mechanisms: - HFrEF: RAAS inhibition/ARNI, β-blockers, MRA—target neurohormonal activation and antifibrotic signaling; SGLT2 inhibitors provide diuretic/metabolic and cardiorenal benefits (translatable cGMP/NO interplay). (10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1; 2025). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) - HFpEF: SGLT2 inhibitors across EF; for obese HFpEF, GLP‑1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide) improve symptoms and function via weight loss and metabolic anti-inflammatory effects, aligning with cardiometabolic biology. (Cardiovascular Diabetology, 2025; 10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w; 2025). (gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3)
Expert opinions and analysis (authoritative sources with quotes) - Human tissue–based perspective on HFpEF pathobiology emphasizes multi-compartment disease integrating fibrosis/titin stiffness, endothelial/microvascular dysfunction, metabolic stress, and cGMP impairment: “Inflammation and microvascular endothelial dysfunction are recurrent findings… [with] altered NO–sGC–cGMP… signalling… enhancing cGMP signalling… improves myocardial function.” (Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2025; 10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) - Microvascular centrality and exercise limitations: Microvascular disease correlates with impaired perfusion and diastolic relaxation and worse outcomes; large-artery stiffening augments late systolic load. (Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2021; 10.1038/s41569-020-00480-6; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-020-00480-6). (mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15) - Cellular single-cell atlas opinions highlight potential targets (RHOA/ROCK1 in cardiomyocytes; interferon signaling states across fibroblasts and macrophages): “cardiomyocytes show downregulation of aerobic respiration… fibroblasts display activation… macrophages exhibit a pro-inflammatory transcriptome… exogenous rhIFNγ reduced collagen in human cardiac fibroblasts.” (bioRxiv, 2025; 10.1101/2025.04.02.646923; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.02.646923). (zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5)
Relevant statistics and data (recent) - HFpEF accounts for >50% of treated HF and is rising with aging/metabolic comorbidity; five‑year mortality remains high. (Cells, 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14050324; Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2025; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1). (fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) - Mechanistic intervention data (preclinical/translation): Acute enhancement of cGMP signaling via PDE or sGC pathways improves myocardial function in HFpEF experimental settings; SGLT2 inhibition also links to cGMP improvements. (Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2025; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) - Mouse HFpEF models (2024) show increased CaMKII/RyR2/PLN phosphorylation and ECM gene upregulation with endothelial dysfunction and impaired diastolic reserve. (ArXiv, 2024; https://doi.org/10.53846/goediss-10367). (swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 14-18, swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 22-25)
Core Pathophysiology Primary mechanisms - Neurohormonal activation: RAAS and SNS activation drive hypertrophy, fibrosis, oxidative stress; natriuretic peptide system counterbalances via cGMP. HFpEF shows impaired NP/NO signaling and cGMP deficits. (10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1; 2025). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) - Endothelial/microvascular dysfunction: Reduced NO bioavailability, oxidative/nitrosative stress (e.g., NOX enzymes, uncoupled eNOS) and decreased coronary flow reserve propagate diastolic dysfunction and exercise intolerance. (10.1038/s41569-020-00480-6; 2021; 10.53846/goediss-10367; 2024). (mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15, swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 22-25) - Fibrosis and ECM remodeling: TGF‑β/SMAD signaling activates myofibroblasts, increasing collagen and crosslinking; titin hypophosphorylation increases passive stiffness; perivascular fibrosis worsens microvascular mechanics. (10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1; 2025). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24) - Inflammation and immune–fibroblast crosstalk: Proinflammatory macrophages and cytokines (IL‑6, TNF) promote fibroblast activation and ECM deposition; interferon signaling states differentially regulate fibroblast collagen output. (10.1101/2025.04.02.646923; 2025; 10.53846/goediss-10367; 2024). (zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5, swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 14-18) - Metabolic and mitochondrial remodeling: Decreased fatty acid oxidation and impaired mitochondrial energetics with increased oxidative stress; a shift toward ketone body utilization is observed; SGLT2 inhibition and metabolic strategies can be beneficial. (10.3390/cells14050324; 2025; 10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w; 2025). (fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) - Calcium handling and sarcomere defects: Abnormal Ca2+ cycling (SERCA/PLN, RyR2) and titin phosphorylation state contribute to impaired relaxation in HFpEF; HFrEF features impaired contractility with myocyte loss. (10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1; 2025; 10.53846/goediss-10367; 2024). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 14-18)
Dysregulated molecular pathways - NO–sGC–cGMP–PKG; TGF‑β/SMAD; NF‑κB/cytokine signaling; mitochondrial OXPHOS and ROS handling; CaMKII and RyR2 phosphorylation; NP signaling and PDE-mediated cGMP hydrolysis; interferon signaling axes. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5, swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 14-18)
Affected cellular processes - Vaso-regulation and angiogenesis; ECM organization and crosslinking; immune activation and antigen presentation; mitochondrial respiration and substrate selection; excitation–contraction coupling; proteostasis (UPR) and autophagy. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2)
Key Molecular Players (annotations) - Genes/Proteins (HGNC): NOS3; NPPA/NPPB; GUCY1A1/GUCY1A3; PDE5A/PDE9A; TGFB1; SMAD3; COL1A1; LOX; THBS4; SPP1; IL6; TNF; PPARGC1A (PGC‑1α); SIRT3; BDH1; OXCT1; HMGCS2; TTN; RYR2; PLN; ATP2A2 (SERCA2a). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5) - Chemical Entities (CHEBI): nitric oxide; cGMP; angiotensin II; aldosterone; catecholamines; collagen crosslink cofactor lysyl oxidase substrates; β‑hydroxybutyrate (ketone body). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2) - Cell Types (CL): cardiomyocytes; cardiac fibroblasts/myofibroblasts; endothelial cells (microvascular ECs); pericytes; macrophages/monocytes; T cells; epicardial adipocytes. (zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5, mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15, gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) - Anatomical locations (UBERON): ventricular myocardium; coronary microvasculature; myocardial interstitium; epicardial adipose tissue; endocardium; large arteries (arterial stiffness). (mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15, gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3)
Biological Processes (GO) disrupted - GO:0001937 regulation of endothelial cell proliferation and GO:0038083 peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation via NO–sGC–cGMP signaling deficits. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) - GO:0030198 extracellular matrix organization and GO:0042110 T cell activation in fibrotic remodeling with immune crosstalk. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5) - GO:0006119 oxidative phosphorylation and GO:0006091 generation of precursor metabolites and energy (mitochondrial dysfunction). (fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2) - GO:0051928 regulation of Ca2+ ion transport and GO:0030049 muscle filament sliding (Ca2+ handling/sarcomere). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 14-18) - GO:0006954 inflammatory response and GO:0006955 immune response (systemic and myocardial inflammation). (zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5, gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3)
Cellular Components (GO-CC) - Plasma membrane caveolae (eNOS/NOS3); cytosol (sGC); mitochondrial inner membrane and matrix (OXPHOS complexes); sarcoplasmic reticulum (SERCA/PLN); sarcomere (titin); extracellular matrix (collagens, LOX-mediated crosslinks). (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24)
Disease Progression (sequence and stages) - Triggering comorbidities (hypertension, obesity/diabetes, aging) → systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and microvascular rarefaction → reduced NO/cGMP signaling → cardiomyocyte stiffness (titin hypophosphorylation) and concentric remodeling; progressive interstitial/perivascular fibrosis via TGF‑β/SMAD and immune–fibroblast paracrine loops → impaired lusitropy and reduced diastolic reserve; in HFrEF, myocyte death and eccentric remodeling feature prominently, producing reduced contractility. Exercise induces marked rises in filling pressures (impaired diastolic reserve) with chronotropic incompetence and altered ventricular–arterial coupling in HFpEF. (10.53846/goediss-10367; 2024; 10.1038/s41569-020-00480-6; 2021; 10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1; 2025). (swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 22-25, mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24)
Phenotypic Manifestations (HP terms examples) and mechanism links - HP:0002090 Dyspnea; HP:0001643 Congestive heart failure; HP:0005136 Exercise intolerance: relate to impaired diastolic reserve, microvascular/endothelial dysfunction, and elevated filling pressures in HFpEF; reduced contractility in HFrEF. (mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15, swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 22-25) - HP:0030973 Diastolic dysfunction: titin hypophosphorylation and fibrosis increase passive stiffness; microvascular dysfunction limits myocardial perfusion reserve. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15) - HP:0001639 Ventricular hypertrophy: concentric remodeling in HFpEF under late systolic load and neurohormonal stress. (mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15) - HP:0005150 Edema: neurohormonal activation and renal–cardiac interplay with congestion. (fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2)
Ontology-aligned annotations (consolidated) - HGNC: NOS3; GUCY1A1; PDE5A; PDE9A; NPPA; NPPB; TGFB1; SMAD3; COL1A1; LOX; THBS4; SPP1; IL6; TNF; PPARGC1A; SIRT3; BDH1; OXCT1; HMGCS2; TTN; RYR2; PLN; ATP2A2. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5) - GO (process): endothelial NO signaling; ECM organization; inflammatory response; oxidative phosphorylation; calcium ion transport; muscle contraction. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2) - GO (component): caveolae; cytosol; mitochondrial inner membrane; sarcoplasmic reticulum; sarcomere; extracellular matrix. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24) - CL: cardiomyocyte; cardiac fibroblast; endothelial cell; pericyte; macrophage; T cell; adipocyte (epicardial). (zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5, gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) - UBERON: ventricular myocardium; coronary microvasculature; myocardial interstitium; epicardial adipose tissue; arterial tree. (mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15, gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) - CHEBI: nitric oxide; cGMP; angiotensin II; aldosterone; catecholamine; β‑hydroxybutyrate. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2)
Evidence items with PMIDs/DOIs/URLs/dates (selected, recent emphasis) - Nature Reviews Cardiology (2025). Pathophysiological insights into HFpEF from human tissue. DOI: 10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) - ArXiv dissertation (2024). Mechanistic differences in mouse models of HFpEF. DOI: 10.53846/goediss-10367. URL: https://doi.org/10.53846/goediss-10367. (swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 22-25, swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 14-18) - Cardiovascular Diabetology (2025). Cardiometabolic HFpEF molecular signatures and therapy. DOI: 10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w. (gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) - Cells (2025). Molecular mechanisms underlying HF and therapeutic potential. DOI: 10.3390/cells14050324. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14050324. (fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2) - Nature Reviews Cardiology (2021). Cellular/molecular pathobiology of HFpEF emphasizing vascular biology. DOI: 10.1038/s41569-020-00480-6. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-020-00480-6. (mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15) - bioRxiv (2025). Single-cell human HFpEF atlas. DOI: 10.1101/2025.04.02.646923. URL: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.02.646923. (zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5)
Embedded mechanistic summary table | Mechanistic theme | Key molecules/genes (HGNC) | Dominant cell types (CL) | Disrupted processes (GO) | Cellular components (GO-CC) | Anatomic sites (UBERON) | Representative quotes/data | Therapeutic links | Evidence (DOI/URL, year) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Neurohormonal activation & endothelial / microvascular dysfunction (NO–sGC–cGMP) | NOS3, NPPA / NPPB, GUCY1A1/GUCY1A3, PDE5A, PDE9A | Endothelial cells; cardiomyocytes; pericytes | NO–cGMP signaling; endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability; vasodilation; angiogenesis | Plasma membrane (eNOS), cytosol (sGC), caveolae | Myocardium; coronary microvasculature | "enhancing cGMP signalling acutely via PDE9A or PDE5 inhibition, sGC stimulation or SGLT2 inhibition improves myocardial function" (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) | sGC stimulators (vericiguat), PDE inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, ARNI (natriuretic peptide augmentation) | 10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1 (2025) (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13) | | Fibrosis & TGF-β / myofibroblast activation | TGFB1, SMAD3, COL1A1, LOX, THBS4 | Cardiac fibroblasts / myofibroblasts; cardiomyocytes; immune cells | ECM organization; myofibroblast differentiation; collagen biosynthesis & cross-linking | Extracellular matrix; secretory vesicle; nucleus (SMAD transcription complexes) | Myocardial interstitium; perivascular regions | "Fibrosis and extracellular-matrix regulation ... contributions of collagen and titin to myocardial stiffness are emphasized." (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24) | Anti-fibrotic strategies (TGF-β pathway modulators, targeting latent TGF-β activators), MRAs (indirect antifibrotic effects) | 10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1 (2025) (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24) | | Immune–fibroblast crosstalk (inflammation-driven remodeling) | SPP1 (osteopontin), TNF, IL6, CD163, VSIG4 | Macrophages / myeloid cells; fibroblasts; T cells | Cytokine-mediated signalling; antigen presentation (MHC-II); profibrotic paracrine signaling | Secreted cytokines; MHC class II complexes; extracellular matrix | Myocardial interstitium; epicardial adipose interface | "macrophages exhibit a pro-inflammatory transcriptome ... exogenous rhIFNγ reduced collagen in human cardiac fibroblasts" (zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5) | Anti-inflammatory approaches (IL‑1 blockade trials), immunomodulation of macrophage–fibroblast signaling | bioRxiv 10.1101/2025.04.02.646923 https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.02.646923 (2025) (zanders2025decipheringhumanheart pages 1-5) | | Metabolic / mitochondrial remodeling & ketone utilization | PPARGC1A (PGC‑1α), SIRT3, BDH1, OXCT1, HMGCS2 | Cardiomyocytes; fibroblasts; (systemic: liver/adipose) | Mitochondrial OXPHOS; fatty acid oxidation; ketone body catabolism; metabolic flexibility | Mitochondrion (inner membrane, matrix); cytosol | Myocardium; liver (heart–liver crosstalk); epicardial adipose | "mitochondrial dysfunction... oxidative stress" as a key HF mechanism; metabolic rewiring in cardiometabolic HFpEF (fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) | SGLT2 inhibitors (metabolic effects), ketone-based therapies / ketone esters, PGC‑1α / mitochondrial-targeted strategies | Cells 10.3390/cells14050324 https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14050324 (2025) (fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2); Cardiovasc Diabetology 10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w (2025) (gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) | | Calcium handling & sarcomere / titin alterations | TTN, RYR2, PLN, CAMK2D, SERCA2A (ATP2A2) | Cardiomyocytes | Calcium ion transport; excitation–contraction coupling; sarcomere organization; titin phosphorylation | Sarcomere (Z-disc, I/A-bands); sarcoplasmic reticulum; sarcolemma | Ventricular myocardium | "stiffness (via phosphorylation of titin) and promote clearance ..." — titin phosphorylation and impaired relaxation are linked to diastolic dysfunction (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24) | Experimental sarcomere-targeted agents; approaches to stabilize Ca2+ handling (SERCA, RyR modulators); supportive use of guideline drugs | 10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1 (2025) (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24); Nat Rev Cardiol 10.1038/s41569-020-00480-6 (2021) (mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15) | | Epicardial adipose & cardiometabolic HFpEF phenotype | ADIPOQ, LEP, ANGPTL4, FABP4 | Epicardial adipocytes; macrophages; fibroblasts; cardiomyocytes | Adipokine signalling; paracrine inflammation; lipid handling | Secreted adipokines; extracellular space adjacent to myocardium | Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT); adjacent myocardium | "cmHFpEF ... metabolic remodeling, rewiring of lipid metabolism, and inflammation" — linking EAT-driven paracrine effects to HFpEF (gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) | Weight-loss strategies, GLP‑1 receptor agonists (semaglutide), SGLT2 inhibitors; targeting EAT inflammation/metabolism | 10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-025-02774-w (2025) (gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3) | | Disease progression (sequence & multi-organ interactions) | AGT, ACE, REN, NPPA / NPPB, inflammatory mediators (IL6, TNF) | Cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, renal cells | Neurohormonal activation (RAAS, SNS); chronic inflammation → microvascular dysfunction → fibrosis → contractile dysfunction; metabolic remodeling | Extracellular matrix; mitochondria; sarcomere; vascular endothelium | Myocardium; coronary microvasculature; kidneys; adipose tissue | "reduced diastolic reserve... endothelial dysfunction... titin hypophosphorylation" — exercise intolerance and progressive HFpEF features (swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 22-25) | Guideline therapies: RAAS inhibitors / ARNI, β‑blockers (HFrEF), MRAs, SGLT2 inhibitors across EF, sGC stimulators (vericiguat) in worsening HF; GLP‑1RA for obesity-related HFpEF | ArXiv 10.53846/goediss-10367 https://doi.org/10.53846/goediss-10367 (2024) (swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 22-25); 10.1038/s41569-024-01067-1 (2025) (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24) |
Table: A concise table linking principal molecular/cellular mechanisms in heart failure (2023–2024–prioritized evidence) to cell types, disrupted processes, compartments, anatomic sites, representative quotes, therapies, and primary citations (context IDs). This helps map mechanisms to therapeutic strategies and source evidence.
Notes on scope and limitations - We prioritized 2023–2024 content; however, several 2025 peer-reviewed syntheses and a 2025 preprint provided high-resolution human tissue and single-cell insights directly relevant to mechanisms and were included with clear source labeling. Some canonical 2021 content (microvascular mechanisms) remains foundational and is cited where most authoritative. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, mishra2021cellularandmolecular pages 14-15)
Plan completion statement - The report integrates core mechanisms, cell types, pathways, and phenotypes; maps ontology terms; cites recent, authoritative sources with URLs/dates; and links mechanisms to current therapeutic applications as requested. (fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 11-13, fayyaz2025pathophysiologicalinsightsinto pages 23-24, fonseka2025molecularmechanismsunderlying pages 1-2, gorica2025cardiometabolicheartfailure pages 1-3)
References
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(swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 14-18): Surabhi Swarnkar. Mechanistic differences in mouse models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. ArXiv, 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.53846/goediss-10367, doi:10.53846/goediss-10367. This article has 0 citations.
(swarnkar2024mechanisticdifferencesin pages 22-25): Surabhi Swarnkar. Mechanistic differences in mouse models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. ArXiv, 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.53846/goediss-10367, doi:10.53846/goediss-10367. This article has 0 citations.