The Association of Amino Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels with Functional Capacity in Cardiac Failure Patients in a Pakistani Population

Abstract

Background: Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a biologically inactive derivative of Brain natriuretic peptide is released from cardiac ventricles as a response to stretch resulting from cardiac failure. It gives a quantitative measure of cardiac failure severity as it rises proportionately. In this regard, NT-proBNP gives a quantitative measure of severity of cardiac dysfunction than clinical judgment alone. Unfortunately, this highly useful biomarker has not yet been routinely incorporated in our national guidelines for heart failure management. No study has been done so far to highlight the role of NT-ProBNP in cardiac failure in our population. Aim: To study, the association of NT-proBNP levels with cardiac functional capacity. Methods:64 patients with CHF (31 men, 33 women) were included in this study. The heart failure symptoms of the patients were classified using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) system and compared with serum levels of NT-ProBNP. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between levels of NT-proBNP and NYHA class. Conclusions: The severity of CHF can be objectively assessed by measuring the circulating levels of NT-proBNP. NT-proBNP can provide objective information regarding the severity of the disease and also aid in initial triage and treatment decisions in patients with CHF.