Brain natriuretic peptide increases acutely and much more prominently than atrial natriuretic peptide during coronary angioplasty.
BACKGROUND: Increased levels of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are observed in patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and acute myocardial infarction. However, there are no data on serial changes in plasma levels of BNP in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. HYPOTHESIS: The study was undertaken to examine plasma concentrations of BNP together with those of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). METHODS: Plasma concentrations of BNP and ANP were examined in 13 patients with stable angina pectoris and good left ventricular function undergoing PTCA. Blood samples were taken from the femoral vein at baseline, after the first balloon inflation, after the end of the procedure, and 4 h thereafter. RESULTS: Plasma BNP levels were 14 +/- 4 at baseline, 22 +/- 10 after the first balloon inflation, 28 +/- 12 at the end of the procedure, and 15 +/- 4 pgr/ml 4 h thereafter (F = 13.05, p < 0.00001). Plasma ANP levels were 80 +/- 15, 86 +/- 14, 90 +/- 24, and 75 +/- 6 fmol/l (F = 5.95, p = 0.002), respectively. The increase of BNP at the end of the procedure was related to the increase of ANP (r = 0.78, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Plasma BNP levels increase acutely and much more prominently than those of plasma ANP during coronary angioplasty; however, plasma BNP levels return to baseline values shortly after the end of the procedure.