Brain natriuretic peptide and the athlete’s heart: a pilot study

Background:  The role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in differentiating the athlete’s heart from maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy is unclear. Methods:  To address this issue, an integrated M mode, two-dimensional B mode and Doppler echocardiographical study were performed and plasma BNP levels were measured in 25 strength athletes, 25 patients with established hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 25 healthy volunteers. Results:  Among athletes, BNP levels correlated negatively with the total training time (r = −0.79, p = 0.002) and positively with ejection fraction (r = 0.58, p = 0.049) and fractional shortening (r = 0.57, p = 0.049). A BNP cut-off value of 11.8 pg/ml had 88% specificity and 74% negative predictive value for the exclusion of HCM. Conclusions:  Brain natriuretic peptide might be useful as a preparticipation screening test in athletes.