ABSTRACT
Brain natriuretic peptide [BNP] has been established as a new and reliable laboratory marker for congestive heart failure [CHF]. BNP is a neurohormone secreted by the cardiac ventricles in response to volume expansion and pressure overload. This study aimed to ascertain whether an association exists between the level of BNP hormone and CHF among hypertensive patients. Retrospective design [case-control study] was used to collect data from 75 patients with CHF and history of hypertension [case group], and 75 patients with history of hypertension only [control group]. CHF subjects consisted of fourteen subjects with acute heart failure, and fifty six subjects with chronic heart failure. CHF group was also classified into four classes; the diagnosis and classification of CHF were done according to the New York Heart Association [NYHA] by two cardiologists. Self report structure interview and Ethylenediamine tetracetic acid [EDTA] blood samples were obtained from both groups. In this study we used Abbott AxSYM in conjunction with a recently available immunoassay kit for BNP hormone MEIA [Microparticles Enzyme Immuno Assay] system. T-test, Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA-I were used to analyze the data. The results of the study showed a significant relationship between BNP hormone and CHF [P value=0.00]. The obtained data suggest that the measurement of BNP levels may be helpful in the diagnosis and prognosis of CHF and in selecting patients for further evaluation