Reduction in plasma concentrations of N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide following percutaneous coronary intervention.

B type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its pro-peptide N terminal fragment (NTproBNP) are raised in conditions associated with abnormal ventricular structure and function and are independent predictors of survival in diverse clinical settings. Patients without raised baseline plasma BNP demonstrate an early, transient increase in concentrations following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but longer term effects are unknown. Potential benefits of PCI on ventricular remodelling are likely to be greatest in patients with raised baseline plasma BNP concentrations, reflecting increased wall stress or ongoing ischaemia. We hypothesised that in patients with stable coronary disease and an elevated baseline NTproBNP, successful PCI would result in a significant reduction in the plasma concentration.