Key Points
- To evaluate serial alterations in plasma atrial natriuretic factor and concurrent vasoactive hormones following an uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction.
- Monitored 16 patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction for 7 days, extending follow-up to 15 days in 6 patients, alongside healthy control subjects.
- Measured serial plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic factor, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, and antidiuretic hormone.
- Assessed central venous pressure and performed echocardiograms on days 2, 7, and 15 to evaluate chamber diameters and left ventricular ejection fraction.
- On admission, plasma atrial natriuretic factor was significantly higher in infarction patients (129.8 ± 70.6 pg/ml) than in healthy volunteers (50.6 ± 10.0 pg/ml; P < 0.05).
- An inverse relationship was observed between atrial natriuretic factor and ejection fraction, with patients having an ejection fraction ≤ 45% showing persistent hormone elevations through day 15.
- Plasma renin activity and antidiuretic hormone remained normal throughout, whereas aldosterone was elevated above reference range only upon admission.
Structured PICO
PPopulation16 patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and healthy volunteers
CComparatorHealthy volunteers
OOutcomePlasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) levelssurrogate
Plasma ANF is elevated in acute myocardial infarction and inversely correlates with ejection fraction, suggesting its secretion is driven by reduced myocardial contractility and increased left atrial pressure.