Fluid and Electrolyte Balance during Recovery from High-Output Heart Failure Due to Beri-beri

Abstract

The pathogenesis of congestive heart failure is still obscure. Previous studies showed a decrease in cellular osmolarity during recovery from low output failure. A similar trend was found during recovery from high output failure due to beriberi, suggesting an analogous cellular disturbance. It is postulated that increased cellular osmolarity is an important factor in the retention of water and sodium associated with the development of congestive failure.