Preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide testing in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery

Several facts about the preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide are presented. Among other things, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is released by ventricular cardiomyocytes in response to atrial or ventricular wall stretch, myocardial hypoxia, ischemia and fibrosis. The prohormone (proBNP) splits into the inactive N-terminal peptide (NT-proBNP) and the active hormone BNP, which decreases systemic vascular resistance and central venous pressure and increases natriuresis. Elevated BNP may be detected in patients with noncardiac conditions, such as renal failure and critical illness.