Natriuretic Peptides in Assessment of Ventricular Dysfunction

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are similar in their ability to promote natriuresis and diuresis and act as vasodilators. These actions are counterbalanced by the vasoconstrictive and sodium-retaining actions of the renin-angiotensinaldosteron system. Both systems help to maintain sodium and fluid volume homeostasis in a healthy cardio-renal environment. C-type natriuretic peptide and urodilatin act predominately as vasodilators. Each NP has antimitogenic activity in both the cardiovascular system and other organ systems. This implies that the NPs may modulate growth within the vascular wall in disorders such as atherosclerosis, hypetension, and postangioplasty restenosis.