Brain natriuretic peptide: its relevance to the cardiologist

Abstract

Brain natriuretic peptide, or Btype natriuretic peptide (BNP), is a cardiac hormone secreted mainly from the ventricles. It is natriuretic, diuretic, vasodilaton, lowers blood pressure and suppresses the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Its concentration in plasma is normally very low but is markedly raised in congestive heart failure, suggesting that it may have a pathophysiological function. Short-term intravenous infusion of BNP is beneficial in heart failure but an effective oral agent is not yet available. Plasma BNP concentration may be measured to assess cardiac function, as it correlates directly with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and inversely with ejection fraction.