Brain natriuretic peptide and the athlete’s heart: a pilot study |
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| Authors: | E. D. Pagourelias G. Giannoglou E. Kouidi G. K. Efthimiadis P. Zorou K. Tziomalos A. Karagiannis V. G. Athyros P. Geleris D. P. Mikhailidis |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece;2. First Cardiology Department, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece;3. Sports Medicine Laboratory, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece;4. Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Prevention Clinic), Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK |
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| Abstract: | Background: The role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in differentiating the athlete’s heart from maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy is unclear. Methods: To address this issue, an integrated M mode, two‐dimensional B mode and Doppler echocardiographical study were performed and plasma BNP levels were measured in 25 strength athletes, 25 patients with established hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 25 healthy volunteers. Results: Among athletes, BNP levels correlated negatively with the total training time (r = ?0.79, p = 0.002) and positively with ejection fraction (r = 0.58, p = 0.049) and fractional shortening (r = 0.57, p = 0.049). A BNP cut‐off value of 11.8 pg/ml had 88% specificity and 74% negative predictive value for the exclusion of HCM. Conclusions: Brain natriuretic peptide might be useful as a preparticipation screening test in athletes. |
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