RAAS in pathophysiological states

RAAS in pathophysiological states

RAAS in pathophysiological states

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RAAS Dysregulation - The Vicious Cycle

In states like heart failure or cirrhosis, RAAS activation becomes maladaptive, creating a harmful feedback loop.

  • Heart Failure: ↓ Cardiac output triggers RAAS, but resulting ↑ afterload/preload further strains the failing heart.
  • Cirrhosis & Nephrotic Syndrome: ↓ Effective circulating volume activates RAAS, leading to volume overload (ascites, edema) that worsens the condition.

RAAS vicious cycle in heart failure and cardiac remodeling

⭐ Angiotensin II directly promotes maladaptive cardiac remodeling (fibrosis, hypertrophy), a key factor in the progression of heart failure. This is a primary target of ACE inhibitors and ARBs.

Heart Failure - The Failing Pump's Cry

  • Trigger: ↓ Cardiac Output (CO) from a failing heart leads to ↓ renal perfusion pressure.
  • RAAS Activation: Kidneys release renin, activating the RAAS cascade.
  • Vicious Cycle:
    • Angiotensin II → potent vasoconstriction (↑ afterload).
    • Aldosterone → Na⁺ & water retention (↑ preload).
    • Both actions increase the workload on an already strained heart, worsening failure.

Maladaptive Remodeling: Initially compensatory, chronic RAAS activation is detrimental. It promotes myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy, contributing to the progressive decline of cardiac function.

Hypertension & Renal Artery Stenosis - The Pressure Cooker

  • Pathophysiology: Stenosis → ↓ renal blood flow → affected kidney perceives systemic hypotension.

    • RAAS Activation: Juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) hyper-secretes renin → ↑ Angiotensin II & ↑ Aldosterone.
    • Consequences: Systemic vasoconstriction, plus Na⁺ and H₂O retention, leads to severe secondary hypertension.
  • Key Etiologies:

    • Atherosclerosis: Most common cause, typically in older males at the renal artery ostium.
    • Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD): Affects younger women; classic "string of beads" appearance on angiography.

Renal Artery Stenosis and RAAS Activation

⭐ In unilateral RAS, the contralateral (unaffected) kidney undergoes pressure natriuresis, which helps to limit volume expansion. This compensatory mechanism is absent in bilateral stenosis.

RAAS Pharmacology - Taming the Beast

  • Goal: Disrupt the RAAS cascade to ↓ blood pressure & ↓ aldosterone effects.

  • ACE Inhibitors (-prils): Inhibit ACE → ↓ Ang II & ↑ Bradykinin.

    • Side Effects: Dry cough, angioedema (due to bradykinin), hyperkalemia.
  • ARBs (-sartans): Selectively block AT1 receptors.

    • Side Effects: Hyperkalemia. No cough/angioedema vs. ACEi.
  • Aldosterone Antagonists (MRAs): Block aldosterone receptors in the collecting duct.

    • Side Effects: Hyperkalemia. Spironolactone can cause gynecomastia.

Triple Whammy Effect: Concurrent use of an ACEi/ARB + Diuretic + NSAID significantly increases the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). NSAIDs constrict the afferent arteriole, reducing GFR in a kidney already compromised by RAAS inhibition and volume depletion.

⚠️ All RAAS inhibitors are teratogenic.

ACE Inhibitor Angioedema Mechanism

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • In heart failure, ↓ cardiac output activates RAAS, leading to deleterious fluid retention and vasoconstriction.
  • Renal artery stenosis causes profound RAAS activation, leading to secondary hyperaldosteronism and treatment-resistant hypertension.
  • ACE inhibitors and ARBs are crucial in these states; they counter-regulate maladaptive RAAS effects.
  • Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) is a state of high aldosterone but low renin.
  • Chronic RAAS activation contributes to end-organ damage like cardiac remodeling and renal fibrosis.

Practice Questions: RAAS in pathophysiological states

Test your understanding with these related questions

An investigator is studying patients with acute decompensated congestive heart failure. He takes measurements of a hormone released from atrial myocytes, as well as serial measurements of left atrial and left ventricular pressures. The investigator observes a positive correlation between left atrial pressures and the serum level of this hormone. Which of the following is most likely the mechanism of action of this hormone?

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Flashcards: RAAS in pathophysiological states

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The renin-angiotensin II-aldosterone system is activated in response to a _____ in mean arterial pressure

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

The renin-angiotensin II-aldosterone system is activated in response to a _____ in mean arterial pressure

decrease

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