Clinical Implication of B-type Natriuretic Peptide in the Elderly

Kim, K I; Yu, K D; Kim, C H

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society 2005;9(1):15-22.
Published online March 31, 2005.

Clinical Implication of B-type Natriuretic Peptide in the Elderly

K I Kim, K D Yu, C H Kim

BNP(B-type Natriuretic Peptide)의 이해와 임상적 적용

Abstract

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is one of natriuretic peptide hormones, a family of vasoactive peptides with many favourable phy- siological properties. It is released primarily from the cardiac ventricles in ! response to myocyte stretch and ischemia. It is synthesized as an inactive prohormone that is split into the active hormone and the inactive N-terminal fragment (NT-pro BNP). Recently, BNP has emerged as important candidates for diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents in cardiovascular disease. Here, we focus on the physiology of the natriuretic peptide system, measurement of circulating concentrations of BNP and the NT-pro BNP to diagnose heart failure, and to assess the prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Key Words: Brain Natriuretic Peptide(BNP), Heart failure, Biomarker