Atrial peptides, ANP(1-98) and ANP(99-126) in health and disease in an elderly population

Circulating immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide, Ir ANP(99-126)and the N-terminal fragment of the prohormone, Ir ANP(1–98)were measured in two population samples from the general populationof Gothenburg, Sweden. A group of 85-year olds (974 subjects)and a group of 40-year olds (191 subjects) were investigatedin respect of cardiovascular, renal and metabolic disease. Ir ANP(99-126) and Ir ANP(1-98) were significantly higher inthe 85-year olds compared to tile 40-year olds, and were significantlyincreased in subjects with congestive heart failure, ischaemicheart disease, atrial fibrillation and renal dysfunction butnot in subjects with hypertension. Eighty-five-year-old subjectswho were on treatment with digitalis, ß-adrenergic-blockers,nitrates and diuretics had significantly increased Ir ANP(99-126)and Ir ANP(1-98). In multivariate analysis Ir ANP(99-126) concentrationswere predictive for congestive heart failure, ischaemic heartdisease, atrial fibrillation and treatment with ß-blockersand anti-depressant drugs. Ir ANP(1–98) was predictivefor congestive heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, atrialfibrillation, diabetes mellitus, renal failure and drug treatmentwith ß-blockers and neuroleptics. We conclude that measurements of circulating concentrationsof Ir ANP(99-126) and/or Ir ANP(1-98) may add valuable informationin the diagnosis of congestive heart failure and ischaemic heartdisease in an elderly population. It remains to be determinedwhether routine measurements of circulating Ir ANP(99–126)and Ir ANP(1–98) may be of value in predicting currentcardiovascular disease for the individual patient.