Cardiovascular Endocrinology: An Overview on Interplay of Hormones, Developmental Programming, and Cardiovascular Diseases View PDF

^*Aishwarya Tummala
Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College And Research Institute, Pillayarkuppam, Puducherry, India
Anshul Yadav
Medicine, Mari State University,, Mari El Republic, Russian Federation
Jahnavi Kudapa
Medicine, Pondicherry Institute Of Medical Sciences, Kalapet, Puducherry, India
Ahmed Shaik
Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute Of Higher Education And Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

^*Corresponding Author:

Aishwarya Tummala
Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College And Research Institute, Pillayarkuppam, Puducherry, India

Published on: 2025-07-16

Abstract

Cardiovascular endocrinology is a rapidly evolving field that investigates the complex interplay between the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. This multidisciplinary area of study is essential for understanding how hormonal imbalances can influence cardiovascular health and disease. The endocrine system, through the secretion of hormones, plays a critical role in regulating cardiovascular functions such as blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and vascular tone. Conversely, cardiovascular events can impact hormone production and release, highlighting the bidirectional communication between these systems. This review explores the physiological interactions and pathophysiological consequences of disruptions in this delicate balance, with a focus on key hormones such as vitamin D, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones, and their implications for cardiovascular health. The review also delves into the role of developmental programming in shaping cardiovascular health, emphasizing the impact of early life factors such as maternal nutrition, stress, and environmental exposures on long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Additionally, it examines the influence of sex hormones, lipoprotein metabolism, and emerging research areas such as the gut microbiome and novel biomarkers on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Clinical studies, including landmark trials like the Framingham heart study (FHS) and the Women’s Health Initiative, are discussed to highlight the translation of research findings into clinical practice. The review concludes by addressing the challenges and future directions in cardiovascular endocrinology, underscoring the need for ongoing research to develop effective interventions and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords

Cardiovascular endocrinology, Developmental programming, Hormonal regulation, Lipoprotein metabolism

Introduction

Cardiovascular endocrinology is a multidisciplinary field that explores the intricate interactions between the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. This area of study is crucial for understanding how hormonal imbalances can influence cardiovascular health and disease [1, 2]. The research in this field spans various topics, including the role of hormones like vitamin D, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones in cardiovascular health, as well as the development of pharmaceutical strategies to address cardiovascular and endocrinological disorders [3, 4]. The endocrine and cardiovascular systems are intricately linked, with bidirectional communication influencing numerous physiological processes. The endocrine system, through the secretion of hormones, profoundly impacts cardiovascular function, regulating blood pressure, HR, and vascular tone [5, 6]. Conversely, cardiovascular events can affect hormone production and release, further highlighting the complex interplay between these two essential systems [7]. This article will explore this relationship, examining both normal physiological interactions and the pathophysiological consequences of disruptions in this delicate balance.

Vitamin D is increasingly recognized as a hormone with potential implications for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A study highlighted the association between low vitamin D levels and an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile in obese women with metabolic syndrome, suggesting a need for further research in diverse populations like those in Egypt [8]. Despite the observed associations, randomized controlled trials have shown conflicting results regarding the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for cardiovascular health, indicating that routine screening for deficiency is not universally recommended [9].