Correlation of NT-proBNP levels with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Cardiac Failure Patients

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 congestive heart failure (CHF). The objective is to determine the correlation of NT-pro BNP levels with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) in cardiac failure patients. Methods: 78 patients with CHF (50 men, 28 women; mean age 58.26 +/- 10.59 y) were included in this study. NT-ProBNP and LVEF was measured in 78 patients of CHF (20-80) years of age both sexes). Prior consent of all subjects was taken. History and investigations were recorded in specially designed proformas. Results: There was a positive correlation between NT-proBNP and LVEF and NT-proBNP increased significantly with each increasing class of the disease severity. Conclusion: The severity of CHF can be objectively assessed by measuring the circulating levels of NT-proBNP. NT-proBNP may be a better indicator of the severity of ventricular dysfunction than clinical judgment alone.