B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) can be a reliable marker for the diagnosis of heart failure (HF). This study aimed to assess whether the use of BNP for screening a population at high risk of developing heart failure, (HF), may lead to a decrease in the prevalence of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction.
We randomized 1,374 patients at high risk of developing HF in the intervention group, (not blinded BNP annually dose), and the control group, (blind BNP annually dose). Mean follow-up was 4.2 years. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of HF, (hospitalized), and symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, (LVEF <50%, diastolic dysfunction, E / A> 15). There were benefits for the intervention group compared with the control group, with a prevalence of HF/ventricular dysfunction, 8.7% versus 5.3%, (p = 0.01), respectively. Hospitalization for cardiovascular events was also lower in the intervention group compared with the control group, 22.3% versus 40.4% respectively.
Conclusion: Patients with an increased risk of developing heart failure who underwent annual screening with BNP had a lower prevalence of long-term ventricular dysfunction, heart failure and the incidence of major cardiovascular events.
Kenneth McDonald
2013-03-11
Original title: The St Vincent’s Screening To Prevent Heart Failure Study: Impact of Natriuretic Peptide Guided Screening and Treatment on Long-Term Prevalence of Left Ventricular Dysfunction, Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Events.
