Values of brain natriuretic peptide level and QRS duration in postmenopausal women with heart failure

Abstract

Objective To analyze the clinical values of plasma brain natriuretic peptide ( BNP )level and QRS duration in the detection of heart function and the prediction of prognosis in postmenopausal women with heart failure. Methods NYHA class was evaluated and QRS duration and plasma BNP level were measured and compared in one hundred and one postmenopausal women with heart failure. The outcomes of follow-up were analyzed. Results The higher the plasma BNP level, the worse the heart function; and the BNP value elevated with an increase in NYHA class. The wider the QRS complex, the poorer the heart functior; but QRS duration was poorly associated with NYHA class. Multivariate analysis showed that prolonged QRS duration and elevated BNP level were the two independent risk factors of death or poor prognosis. Conclusion An elevated BNP level combined with prolongation of QRS duration are simple and effective in predicting worsening of heart function and poor prognosis in postmenopausal with heart failure. Key words: Brain natriuretic peptid; QRS complex duration; Postmenopausal women; Heart failure