Pii: S1388-9842(98)00005-1

Background: Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptides are correlated with atrial pressures, as are left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular filling abnormalities. Aims: This study investigated the relation of atrial natriuretic peptides to both left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in heart failure. Methods: Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide were measured in 63 patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. According to Doppler transmitral flow measurements, 19 patients had a restrictive and 44 patients had a non-restrictive left ventricular filling pattern. Results: Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide were higher in patients with a restrictive falling pattern than in patients with a non-restrictive filling pattern (197 vs. 75 pmol/l, P < 0.0001 and 1.14 vs. 0..45 nmol/1, P < 0.0001). In univariate analysis, atrial natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide correlated with deceleration time, E / A ratio and left ventricular ejection fraction. In multivariate analysis, both peptides appeared independently related to left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular filling pattern. Conclusion: In patients with chronic heart failure, atrial natriuretic peptides provide information on left ventricular systolic as well as diastolic function. © 1999 European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved.