compensatory mechanisms (mecanismos compensadores)

Contexto del término More recent studies have suggested an important role for peripheral chemoreceptors and ergoreceptors. These sensory receptors activate a series of compensatory mechanisms that lead to changes in heart rate and cardiac contractility, salt and water retention, and constriction of the peripheral blood vessels. These alterations work collectively to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis (FIGURE 1). The compensatory mechanisms that have been described thus far include: activation of the sympathetic (adrenergic) nervous system (SNS) and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), which maintain cardiac output through increased retention of salt and water, peripheral arterial vasoconstriction and increased contractility; and inflammatory mediators that are involved in cardiac repair and remodelling.