Minireviews
Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Cardiol. Jan 26, 2014; 6(1): 4-7
Published online Jan 26, 2014. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i1.4
Physiology of natriuretic peptides: The volume overload hypothesis revisited
Olli Arjamaa
Olli Arjamaa, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
Author contributions: Arjamaa O solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Olli Arjamaa, MD, PhD, Senior Scientist, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnanmäki, 20014 Turku, Finland. olli.arjamaa@utu.fi
Telephone: +358-4-05125452
Received: October 7, 2013
Revised: November 29, 2013
Accepted: December 17, 2013
Published online: January 26, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: A new concept is suggested for the understanding of the physiology of natriuretic peptides. Both chemical and physical challenges will ultimately increase the oxygen consumption of the heart which is the factor regulating the release of natriuretic peptides. Diuresis, natriuresis and plasma shift lead to hemoconcentration and the oxygen transport in human body will be enhanced.