Heart Failure and B-Type Natriuretic Protein

Heart Failure: Pathology Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome of varying but progressive severity in which the ability of the heart to pump blood is compromised. It has been said that, “…heart failure is a primary complication of virtually every form of heart disease”¹. In general, prior to developing HF, a disease or condition exists that stresses the cardiovascular system. The body possesses several feedback mechanisms that adapt to stress and maintain acute cardiovascular function. However, many of these adaptations are themselves toxic and degrade cardiac function over the long term².

Several common chronic progressive conditions such as hypertension, acute coronary syndrome, a previous myocardial infarction or diabetes mellitus are precursors to HF³. At diagnosis, one-year mortality is nearly 10% and five-year mortality is about 50%⁴.

The clinical presentation of HF is variable. Patients may present without symptoms but with evidence of left ventricular structural or functional changes. Classic signs and symptoms include breathing difficulty, fatigue after modest physical exertion and fluid retention resulting in peripheral edema and pulmonary congestion.

Heart Failure: Clinical Summary In addition to the individual toll, heart failure (HF) is a public health problem whose morbidity and mortality are significant burdens on the health care system. According to the American Heart Association (AHA)⁴, in 2006 the prevalence of HF in the US was 5.7 million people, or 2.5% of the population. In 2005, HF was the primary cause of 58,933 deaths and a contributing factor in an additional 233,281 deaths. That same year, the total direct…