Changes of levels of plasma brain natriuretic peptides in treatment of patients with chronic heart failure

Objective:To evaluate the changes of levels of plasma brain natriuretic peptides(BNP) in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF) before and after treatment. Methods:The contents of plasma BNP were measured in 63 CHF patients. Doppler echocardiography was performed to measure left ventricular function and structure. These patients were treated for six months,the levels of plasma BNP measured again after treatment.The 30 normal persons were enrolled for control. Results:Levels of plasma BNP significantly elevated in CHF patients(P0.001),and increased levels were proportionte to the severity of left ventricular dysfunction.Level of plasma BNP negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction(r=-0.38,P0.05) in CHF patients. After treatment,levels of plasma BNP decreased significantly(P0.05). Conclusion:Plasma BNP level is a marker to reflect left ventricular function.Plasma BNP level is useful index for monitor the change of left ventricular function and to evaluate the effect of treatment.