J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2016 Nov;18(4):247-256. 10.7586/jkbns.2016.18.4.247.

Factors Related to N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Biomarker for Heart Failure

• Lee HS
• Choi M
• Oh EG

• KMID: 2361639
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.2016.18.4.247

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to examine the relationships between the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels with the sociodemographic and clinical factors, self-care behaviors, and the physical symptom experiences in patients with heart failure.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study utilized a convenience sample of adult outpatients and inpatients who attended a cardiology department in a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. The data from 154 patients with heart failure were collected using a questionnaire, and their clinical data were extracted from their electronic medical records.
RESULTS
Compared with the patients with high NT-proBNP levels, those with low NT-proBNP levels had significantly lower physical symptom experiences scores. Patients with low- and mid-NT-proBNP levels were more likely to be employed compared with those with high NT-proBNP levels. Patients with low NT-proBNP levels had higher left ventricular ejection fractions, and were less likely to have arrhythmias and comorbidities.
CONCLUSION
The results from this study showed that patients with more severe heart failure had higher physical symptom experiences scores; hence, individualizing treatment approaches based on heart failure severity is necessary.

Keyword

Heart failure; Biomarkers; Symptom assessment

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arrhythmias, Cardiac
Biomarkers
Cardiology
Comorbidity
Cross-Sectional Studies
Electronic Health Records
Heart Failure*
Heart*
Humans
Inpatients
Korea
Outpatients
Self Care
Seoul
Stroke Volume
Symptom Assessment
Tertiary Care Centers
Biomarkers