Relationship between kidney function, hemodynamic variables and circulating big endothelin levels in patients with severe refractory heart failure.

Abstract

The findings suggest a role for endothelin in renal vasoconstriction and accord well with the concept that in severe heart failure renal hypoperfusion--by volume retention--as well as increased endothelin synthesis--by pulmonary vasoconstriction--play a part in the increased pulmonary filling pressures.