The importance of brain natriuretic peptide in essential hypertension

Abstract

The neurohormonal system of natriuretic peptides is involved in cardiovascular regulation. Discovered in 1988 by Sudoh brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a 32-aminoacid cardiac hormone, separated from N-terminal part of propeptide, named NT-proBNP. The level of BNP in healthy subjects is low. Its level is increased in heart failure, arterial and pulmonary hypertension, renal insufficiency and in elderly. In women the level of BNP is higher than in men of the same age. Past observations show that the levels of BNP and NT-proBNP in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, lower ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction is higher. The significance of the natriuretic peptides in patients with hypertension and preserved left ventricular function is largely unknown.