ANIMAL MODELS OF HEART FAILURE

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) often lead to heart failure (HF). HF prevalence is continuously rising and represents one of the leading causes of death and an economic burden in the western societies. The study of potential novel therapeutic options and interventions requires reliable animal models to evaluate myocardial progressive structural and functional changes. Indeed, during the past 40 years, basic and translational scientists have used small animal models to understand the pathophysiology of HF and improve prevention and treatment of patients suffering from congestive HF (CHF). Each species and animal model has advantages and disadvantages and the choice of one model over another should take them into account for a good experimental design. The aim of this chapter is to describe and highlight the features of some commonly used small animal (rats and mouse) surgical models of cardiovascular diseases leading to HF.