EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES AND CARDIAC-FUNCTION IN MAN

We evaluated cardiac function and the plasma levels of atrial (ANP) an d brain (BNP) natriuretic peptides during bicycle (B) and hand-grip (H G) exercises in eight healthy males. Each test was preceded by a contr ol protocol in resting conditions. Left ventricular (LV) function (ech ocardiography) was evaluated during both exercises. Atrial function wa s assessed only during HG. Plasma ANP significantly increased during B (+236%) and HG (+77%), while there was a significant trend towards hi gher plasma BNP levels during B (+41%) and HG (+30%) than during the c orresponding control tests. Plasma ANP correlated with heart rate in b oth tests, with left atrial volume, pulmonary vein flow systolic fract ion and mitral flow E/A ratio in HG; BNP in both test correlated with LV dimensions and function. These data suggest that during exercise th e cardiac release of ANP and BNP is differently regulated and related to changes in left atrial and LV function, respectively. (C) 1998 Else vier Science Ireland Ltd.