Cardiovascular protective hormones are endogenous signaling molecules that exert beneficial effects on the heart and vasculature, actively mitigating the risk factors for atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction. These hormones include specific sex steroids, such as estradiol, and peptide hormones like natriuretic peptides, which help maintain vascular tone and endothelial integrity. Their action supports a robust circulatory system, reflecting a crucial intersection between endocrinology and cardiology. Optimizing the balance of these protective factors is a therapeutic goal in preventative health.
Origin
This term is a clinical and physiological descriptor arising from extensive epidemiological and molecular research correlating specific hormone levels with cardiovascular disease incidence. The recognition of sex differences in heart disease led to the initial hypothesis of hormonal cardioprotection, particularly concerning estrogen. The concept belongs to the domain of preventative endocrinology and cardiovascular medicine. It acknowledges that the endocrine system is a major determinant of long-term vascular health.
Mechanism
The protective mechanism is multifaceted, often involving genomic and non-genomic signaling pathways. Estrogens, for instance, promote vasodilation by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and improving the lipid profile by modulating hepatic lipoprotein synthesis. Other protective hormones may act directly on the myocardium to reduce fibrosis or regulate fluid balance via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This complex interplay serves to dampen inflammatory responses, maintain arterial elasticity, and prevent detrimental remodeling of the heart and blood vessels.
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