Influence of cardiac failure on atrial natriuretic peptide responses in patients undergoing vascular surgery

Sixteen patients presenting for abdominal aortic surgery were divided into two groups according to whether or not there was a history and clinical evidence of chronic heart failure (CHF). Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and catecholamines were measured during a preoperative exercise test and then with induction of anaesthesia and surgery. Patients in the CHF group (n = 8) had a much-reduced cardiac output (CO) rise in response to exercise compared to the control group (13% vs. 75%, P less than 0.05). This difference was due to the absence of a stroke volume increase in the CHF group. Induction of anaesthesia resulted in a greater fall in mean arterial pressure in the CHF group prior to the start of surgery, due to a greater fall in CO. Plasma ANP levels were higher in the CHF group at rest and at each exercise stage (P less than 0.05). ANP levels were not altered by induction of anaesthesia or intubation, but increased with the start of surgery in the CHF group (P less than 0.05). Increases in plasma catecholamine levels in response to exercise and to surgery were similar in the two groups. Changes in endogenous ANP may be important in counteracting the undesirable effects of vasoconstrictor hormones during physical exercise or surgical stress.