Transient increase in plasma brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Background: Brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide (BNP) is known to be secrete d predominantly from the myocardium. Brain natriuretic peptide plasma conce ntrations have been shown to be markedly increased in patients with acute m yocardial infarction; however, plasma BNP response during episodes of myoca rdial ischemia has not been established. Hypothesis: This study was designed to examine plasma BNP in patients with transient myocardial ischemia induced by inflation of a percutaneous transl uminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) balloon. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients (26 men and 4 women; mean age 61 years ) who underwent PTCA, and another 49 patients (39 men and 10 women; mean ag e 63 years) who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Serum BNP concentrations were assayed in all patients. Results: Plasma BNP was increased significantly with a peak concentration o f 66.1 +/- 65.2 pg/ml 24 h after PTCA. Coronary angiography did not cause p lasma BNP increase (immediately before 30.4 +/- 29.0 pg/ml, 24 h after 33.7 +/- 30.6 pg/ml). No significant differences were present in hemodynamic pa rameters measured immediately before and 24 h after PTCA. Conclusion. Plasma BNP is increased by transient myocardial ischemia induce d by PTCA.