Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is a global health problem of considerable socioeconomic burden. It is projected to worsen with the aging population worldwide. The lack of effective therapies underscores our incomplete understanding of this complex heterogeneous syndrome. A novel paradigm has recently emerged, in which central roles are ascribed to systemic inflammation and generalized endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of HFPEF. In this review, we discuss the role of the endothelium in cardiovascular homeostasis and how deranged endothelial-related signaling pathways contribute to the development of HFPEF. We also review the novel therapies in various stages of research and development that target different components of this signaling pathway.
Animals ; Endothelium, Vascular/*physiopathology ; Heart Failure/diagnosis/metabolism/*physiopathology/therapy ; Humans ; Inflammation/diagnosis/metabolism/*physiopathology/therapy ; Inflammation Mediators/metabolism ; Prognosis ; Risk Factors ; Signal Transduction ; *Stroke Volume ; *Ventricular Function, Left