[Atrial natriuretic factor in cardiovascular pathology].

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a cardiac peptide hormone whose detection led to the discovery of a new natriuretic vasomotor relaxant hormonal system where the heart plays the role of an endocrine gland. Atrial distension represents the main stimulus for the release of ANF. Its cardiovascular effects consist primarily of hypotension related to its relaxant properties, a decrease in cardiac output and a negative inotropic effect. The close relations between ANF and the heart implicate this hormone as a major factor in all cardiovascular disorders, and in particular in congestive heart failure where its plasma concentration represents an index of hemodynamic and functional disease severity. Hemodynamic changes related to valvular heart disease, whether of the mitral or aortic valve, as well as dysrhythmias have a significant effect on release of ANF. Thus, it is now well recognized that ANF, released by the heart, is implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disorders.