Context: There is strong and convincing evidence that B-type Natriuretic
Peptide (BNP) is a reliable and useful biomarker in acute dyspnea due to heart failure (HF) and has a diagnostic as well as prognostic value. when used with clinical information, rapid measurement of BNP may reduce the total treatment cost of patients. Aim: To understand the significance of BNP in predicting the severity of Heart Failure. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in SDM Hospital, Dharwad, on 100 patients admitted in with features of HF, during the period of one year i.e. from Nov. 2017 to Oct. 2018. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was measured by 2D Echocardiography and EF of above 40% was considered as preserved ejection and lesser than 40% as reduced. Serum BNP levels were estimated and levels higher than 100 pg./ml., were considered to be significant. Statistical analysis used: Data
entry was done using Microsoft Excel and analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Results: Majority of patients with preserved EF(28/58 patients), who developed signs and symptoms of HF, the levels of serum BNP were in the range of 1000 to 2000 pgs/ml., whereas, majority of patients with reduced EF(29/42 patients ),who developed signs and symptoms of HF, the levels of serum BNP were in the range of 100 to 1000 pgs/ml. Conclusion: In the study, serum BNP levels were found to be highly significant in assessing the severity of heart failure and in management of the patients.