BNP/NTPROBNP : Beyond Heart Failure

Abstract

Brain Natriuretic Peptide is an amino acid polipeptide produced by cardiac myocytes, whose synthesis results mainly from hemodynamic changes that lead to atrial or ventricular volume expansion. The peptide is released primarily by the ventricular myocardium and its fragmentation and cleavage lead to the formation of NTproBNP. Several studies have been discovering different applications of these biomarkers, with special focus on diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of therapy of congestive heart failure. However, in the past few years several other disease states have been associated with changes on the systemic levels of these proteins. Therefore, we aimed to review the possible applications of NTproBNP and BNP beyond Congestive Heart Failure, with specific emphasis in the following diseases: Ischemic Stroke, Atrial Fibrillation, Carotid Artery Stenosis, Aortic Valve Stenosis, Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Tachycardia-mediated Cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Heart Surgery, Kawasaki Disease, Central Sleep Apnea, Sepsis, Chronic Kidney Disease and Pleural Effusions.