Apoptosis in hypertensive heart disease: a clinical approach

Abstract

Purpose of review 

It is widely accepted that there are two principal forms of cell death, namely, necrosis and apoptosis. According to the classical view, necrosis is the major mechanism of Scardiomyocyte death in cardiac diseases.

Recent developments 

In the past few years observations have been made showing that cardiomyocyte apoptosis occurs in diverse conditions including hypertensive heart disease, and that apoptosis may be a contributing cause of loss and functional abnormalities of cardiomyocytes in this condition.

Summary 

This review will summarize recent evidence demonstrating the potential contribution of cardiomyocyte apoptosis to heart failure in hypertensive patients. In addition, some strategies aimed to detect and prevent apoptosis of cardiomyocytes will be considered.