Growth Hormone Therapy in Heart Failure

Several studies have shown that growth hormone (GH) deficiency is common in chronic heart failure and is associated with impaired functional capacity and poor outcomes. Data derived from animal models showed beneficial effects of GH treatment on peripheral vascular resistance, cardiac function, and survival. Despite this solid background, when translated onto the clinical field, these results did not lead to unequivocal results. This article focuses on the assessment of GH deficiency in chronic heart failure, the underlying molecular background, the impact on disease progression and outcomes, the effects of GH therapy, and the novel and more encouraging approach of GH-replacement therapy.