Assessment of brain natriuretic peptide in patients with suspected heart failure: comparison with radionuclide ventriculography data

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate patients with suspected or known heart disease using plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement and radionuclide ventriculography to examine whether left ventricular dysfunction is associated with an abnormal rise of BNP concentration. METHODS: Patients (n=153) and controls (n=14) underwent radionuclide ventriculography to determine Left ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) and measurement of plasma BNP concentration using a commercial kit. RESULTS: Plasma BNP concentration in controls was significantly lower than that in patients whatever the stage of the disease, significantly lower than that of patients with normal LVEF (LVEF>55%); than that of patients with altered LVEF (LVEF< or =40%); and than that of patients with moderately reduced LVEF (40%