Cardiac Endocrine Function and Hormonal Interplay in Pediatrics: From Development to Clinical Implications

Abstract

The endocrine system plays a pivotal role in all stages of cardiac development and in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the heart. Notably, the heart itself functions as an endocrine organ, producing hormones that regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and myocardial remodeling. This narrative review explores the endocrine mechanisms underlying cardiac development and function, with a focus on fetal and pediatric life. Special attention is given to the heart’s intrinsic endocrine activity and how hormonal signals interact with the cardiovascular system during early development. Hormonal signaling is essential for maintaining physiological homeostasis and supporting proper heart development during growth. Disruptions in these signals may serve as silent precursors to structural or functional heart disease, potentially manifesting later in life. Understanding these interactions is clinically relevant, as endocrine imbalances can contribute to the onset, progression, and prognosis of pediatric cardiac disorders. Early identification of hormonal dysregulation can help prevent or mitigate adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Furthermore, recognizing age-specific patterns in hormone–heart interactions may enable the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.