PLASMA-LEVELS OF ATRIAL-NATRIURETIC-PEPTIDE AND HEMODYNAMIC FUNCTION IN CARDIAC DISEASE

Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide were measured in e ight patients with cardiac disease but normal resting right atrial pre ssure, during cardiac catheterization. No patient had clinical evidenc e of overt heart failure. An increase in peptide concentrations was ob served between the aorta or the peripheral vein and the pulmonary arte ry. A linear relation was found between peripheral vein and pulmonary artery peptide concentration. Mean pulmonary artery and capillary wedg e pressure also correlated with the peptide levels. No correlation was observed between mean right atrial pressure and peptide concentration . These findings demonstrate that atrial natriuretic peptide release, even in the absence of cardiac failure, seems at least partly regulate d by left atrial pressure. Finally, peripheral levels reflect the cent ral concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide.