What is the Origin of Endocrine Heart?

The term emerged from the discovery and subsequent characterization of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) in the 1980s, demonstrating that the heart's chambers produce hormones in response to stretch and volume overload. This finding fundamentally redefined the heart's physiological role, moving it beyond a purely muscular organ into the realm of the endocrine system. The term serves to highlight this critical regulatory function that balances fluid dynamics.

What is the Mechanism of Endocrine Heart?

The primary mechanism involves the synthesis and release of natriuretic peptides, such as BNP, by cardiomyocytes in response to increased myocardial stretch, which is typically a sign of volume expansion or pressure overload. These peptides then act on distant target organs, specifically the kidneys and blood vessels, promoting diuresis, natriuresis, and vasodilation. This process forms a critical, rapid-response endocrine feedback loop to reduce circulatory volume and lower cardiac stress.

Endocrine Heart ∞ Area

Endocrine Heart

Meaning

The Endocrine Heart is a clinical concept recognizing the cardiac muscle tissue, the myocardium, as an active endocrine organ capable of synthesizing and secreting hormones, particularly the natriuretic peptides. This function extends the heart’s role beyond a mechanical pump to a regulatory gland that directly influences systemic fluid balance, blood pressure, and cardiovascular homeostasis. This dual, neurohormonal function is crucial for understanding the pathology of heart failure and hypertension, as well as therapeutic targeting.