COMPARISON OF BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE LEVELS IN DECOMPENSATED CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE DUE TO VARIOUS CAUSES

Abstract

Introduction: TThe high levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with non Q MI, rheumatic heart disease, restrictive cardiomyopathy and lone atrial fibrillation indicate that mechanisms beyond stretch and dilatation of the heart may be operational in the secretion of BNP from the myocardium. Objectives: To compare the blood BNP levels in patients with decompensated CHF due to rheumatic heart disease (RHD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or non-Ischemic cardiomyopathies with the BNP levels in patients with decompensated CHF due to coronary artery disease (CAD). Methodology: We enrolled 91 consecutive patients admitted as decompensated CHF due to CAD, RHD, COPD or non ischemic cardiomyopathy. Blood samples for BNP assay were taken. Data analysis was done using student's t-test and coefficient of simple correlation using SPSS-10 software. Results: Out of 91 CCF patients (54 male), 51 had CAD, 17 RHD, 05 COPD and 18 had non ischemic cardiomyopathy. Compared to blood BNP levels in CAD (2081±1434 pg/ml) there was no significant difference in the blood BNP levels in RHD (1811±1137pg/ml, p=0.484), COPD (2355±1595 pg/ml, p=0.688) and non ischemic cardiomypathies (1951±1322 pg/ml, p=0.737). Conclusion: Compared with the blood BNP levels in decompesated CHF due to CAD, the levels in RHD, COPD and non-Ischemic cardiomypathies were not significantly different.