Diastolic dysfunction and natriuretic peptides in systolic heart failure. Higher ANP and BNP levels are associated with the restrictive filling pattern

Abstract

This study confirms that the restrictive filling pattern of transmitral flow velocity is a marker of more severe heart failure, as indicated by its association with higher atrial and brain natriuretic peptide levels, lower ejection fraction and higher pulmonary artery pressure. Thus, this easily obtained Doppler-derived marker of diastolic dysfunction is useful for identifying those patients with more severe heart failure.