Introduction: The growing number of heart failure (HF) patients is becoming an important issue in cardiology. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a recognized marker of HF, including in patients with preserved systolic function. The TEI index is an indicator of left ventricular function. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between BNP serum level, TEI index and the degree of diastolic dysfunction in patients with HF symptoms and preserved systolic function.
Material and methods : Hundred patients with arterial hypertension and preserved systolic function were enrolled in the study. The study group consisted of 51 individuals with impaired diastolic function and HF symptoms. Fourty-nine hypertensive individuals without HF symptoms were assigned to the control group. B-type natriuretic peptide and echocardiographic examination were performed. Patients were divided into 4 subgroups – with normal diastolic function, impaired relaxation, pseudonormalization and restriction.
Results : Median value of BNP in patients with normal diastolic function was 28.36 pg/ml, 87.10 pg/ml in patients with impaired relaxation, 212.75 pg/ml and 461.56 pg/ml in the pseudonormalization and restriction group respectively (p < 0.0001). The median value of the TEI index was: 0.386 in patients with normal diastolic function, 0.507 in individuals with impaired relaxation, 0.639 and 0.725 in the pseudonormalization and restriction group respectively. All the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) between BNP and the TEI index was found.
Conclusions : In hypertensive patients with HF symptoms and preserved left ventricular systolic function a highly significant increase in BNP serum level and in the TEI index values related to the deterioration of diastolic dysfunction was found.