NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES ARE CARDIOVASCULAR MARKERS FOR HEART FAILURE

Abstract

The natriuretic peptides are structurally related hormones that regulate blood volume blood pressure ventricular hypertrophy. Three distinct natriuretic peptides have been isolated in humans, they are : atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C type natriuretic peptide (CNP). Their action is on the tissue of the heart, kidney and central nervous system Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and atrium natriuretic peptide (ANP) have antischemic properties and because of their natriuretic, diuretic and vasodilatators effects they can be used in the future as therapeutic agents in heart failure. They are markers of heart failure and can be a predictor of long term cardiovascular mortality independent of left ventricular ejection fraction.