Prognostic value of brain natriuretic peptide and enhanced ventilatory response to exercise in patients with chronic heart failure

Whether brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), combined with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPx) parameters or echocardiography improves prognostic stratification in mild-to-moderate systolic heart failure (HF) is currently unclear. In 156 consecutive stable outpatients with mild to moderate HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%, we assessed the impact of BNP assay, Doppler echocardiography and CPx on survival. Median BNP plasma levels were 207 [90–520] pg/mL. Mean LVEF was 33 ± 7%. Left bundle branch block (LBBB) was present in 52 patients (33%) and a restrictive filling pattern in 35 (22%). The slope of the relation between minute ventilation and carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 slope) averaged 35 ± 8; an enhanced ventilatory response (EVR) to exercise (VE/VCO2 slope >35) was found in 67 patients (43%). During 759 ± 346 days of follow-up, 24 patients died. By multivariate analysis, the strongest independent predictors of all-cause death among clinical, echocardiographic variables and BNP were LBBB and beta-blocker treatment. When CPx variables were added, the best predictors of mortality were LBBB, beta-blockade and VE/VCO2 slope. This study highlights the value of a sequential approach, based on clinical, laboratory and functional data to identify high-risk HF patients. BNP assay might constitute a simple alternative tool for patients with an inability or with clinical contraindications to exercise, advanced physical deconditioning and unreliable CPx results. However, whenever feasible, CPx with assessment of EVR is recommended for a more accurate prediction of prognosis.