The heart as an endocrine organ.

Abstract

The discovery of atrial natruietic peptide firmly established that the heart was not just a pump and provided the long-sought-after link between the heart and the kidney in the control of soduim balance. Pharmacological targeting of the natruiretic peptide system is now leading to novel advances in the treatment of hypertension and of heart failure - two of the most common causes of human disability and death.