Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2009
Abstract
Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are synthesised and released by myocardium in response to increased cardiac wall stress. Plasma levels of NPs increase early in congestive heart failure, to lesser degree also in other clinical situations, e.g. acute coronary syndroms and pulmonary embolism.
According to results of many clinical trials, NPs become valuable tools for diagnosing heart failure. Plasma levels of NPs are also independant predictors of prognosis.
They are related to both, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Several clinical studies indicate that treatment of heart failure guided by BNP and NT-proBNP levels could improve clinical outcomes.