RESUMO
To evaluate serum Brain Natriuretic Peptide levels [BNP] as a screening test in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Comparative cross-sectional study. Prince Salman Heart Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between December 2010 to January 2012 and Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan, from February to August 2006. A total of 80 patients with clinical diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure [CHF] underwent measurement of serum BNP and had a trans-thoracic echocardiography to measure Ejection Fraction [EF]. The normal limit for serum BNP levels, provided by the manufacturer of the kit was applied as a cut-off value for BNP. EF of > 45% was considered normal. Forty seven patients [94%] had an EF < 45%. BNP levels were elevated in 36 patients [72%]. Sensitivity and specificity of BNP was found to be 80% and 66% respectively and accuracy was 80%. BNP measurements as a screening tool for CHF has good sensitivity and accuracy when compared to echocardiography