Multiple cardiovascular-related pathways

Multiple cardiovascular-related pathways is a collective term describing the diverse set of biochemical and physiological processes that maintain heart and vascular function (StatPearls: Cardiovascular System Physiology, 2023). These pathways include the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), the nitric oxide signaling pathway, the coagulation cascade, and the sympathetic nervous system (NIH: Heart and Vascular Diseases, 2024). Because the term refers to a broad category of biological activities rather than a specific protein or gene, it is not considered a single therapeutic target in drug discovery. Instead, it encompasses a wide array of individual targets such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), beta-adrenergic receptors, and various ion channels (PubMed: Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Disease, 2022). Dysregulation within these pathways is a primary driver of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction (Nature Reviews Cardiology: Signaling in the Cardiovascular System, 2021). Pharmacological intervention typically involves targeting specific nodes within these pathways to restore homeostasis or prevent disease progression. For example, statins target the mevalonate pathway to lower cholesterol, while anticoagulants target the clotting cascade to prevent thrombosis (American Heart Association: Cardiovascular Medications, 2023). Understanding the interplay between these multiple pathways is crucial for managing complex conditions like heart failure, where polypharmacology is often required.

Other names

Cardiovascular signaling networksHeart and vascular regulatory pathwaysCardiovascular homeostatic systems

Various mechanisms including enzyme inhibition, receptor antagonism, and ion channel modulation across multiple distinct molecular targets within the cardiovascular system.