Changes in the levels of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide, hemodynamic measurements, and the levels of vasoactive hormones during the clinical course of congestive heart failure

To investigate the mechanism for the release of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) and the pathophysiological role of hANP in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), plasma hANP levels in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were determined serially, and the relationship between plasma ANP levels and hemodynamic measurements or various vasoactive hormones was analyzed during the clinical course of congestive heart failure. In 63 patients with either AMI or DCM, plasma hANP, plasma renin activity, aldosterone concentration, and catecholamines were measured over 4 weeks, during the course of CHF. Cardiac catheterization with a Swan-Ganz catheter was also performed. Plasma hANP in patients with DCM was elevated continuously during the clinical course. Plasma hANP levels in patients with AMI of Groups II and IV of Forrester's class decreased on days 7 and 14 and those in patients with AMI of Group I changed within normal limits. Plasma hANP levels were correlated positively with pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in patients with AMI or DCM. Plasma renin activity, noradrenaline, and adrenaline levels were elevated in the acute phase of myocardial infarction and had a tendency to decrease upon improvement in clinical status. Plasma renin activity and noradrenaline level correlated positively with plasma hANP levels. These data indicate that plasma hANP levels are regulated by atrial distension and severity of cardiac impairment, and that plasma hANP and plasma renin activity or catecholamines correlated closely during the clinical course of CHF, indicating that these hormones may be involved in the volume and electrolytes status in CHF.