NT-proBNP levels and resting hemodynamic parameters assessed by bioimpedance in patients with chronic heart failure

To evaluate whether NT-proBNP levels are associated with resting hemodynamic parameters assessed by thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

We studied 55 consecutive patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and CHF--42 male, aged 50.3 +/- 13.5 years, 39% ischemic, 36% in NYHA functional class III and 9% in class IV, left ventricular ejection fraction 24.7 +/- 8.2%, 85% in sinus rhythm. After 15 minutes of rest, NT-proBNP was obtained and TEB studies were performed (BioZ ICG Monitor, CardioDynamics; mean of 20 minutes acquisition). Thoracic fluid content (TFC) is a TEB parameter that shows a good correlation with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.

NT-proBNP levels ranged from 42 to 12983 pg/ml (mean = 2505.8, SD = 2608.0, median = 1545). The correlations obtained presented in the table.

In patients with CHF resting NT-proBNP levels correlate with SVI, LCWI and TFC assessed by TEB, the strongest correlation being with TFC.