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Minerva Endocrinologica 2005 March;30(1):1-4

Copyright © 2005 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Growth hormone and the cardiovascular function

Svensson J., Tivesten Å., Isgaard J.

In this review, the great importance of growth hormone (GH) for the maintenance of cardiac function in adult life is discussed. Physiological effects of GH are discussed as well as the cardiac dysfunction caused both by GH excess (acromegaly) and by GH deficiency in adult hypopituitary patients. In both acromegaly and adult GH deficiency, there is also increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Finally, the effect of GH treatment in heart failure is discussed.