Use of NT proANP/NT proBNP ratio in order to diagnose heart dysfunction

摘要

The present invention is a method for diagnosing a cardiac dysfunction in a subject comprising the steps of measuring, preferably in vitro, the level of a BNP-type peptide in a sample from the subject, measuring, preferably in vitro, the level of an ANP-type peptide in a sample from the subject, calculating the ratio of the measured level of the ANP-type peptide to the measured level of the BNP-type peptide comparing the calculated ratio to at least one known ratio indicative of the presence or absence of a cardiac dysfunction. Preferred markers according to the present invention are ANP, NT-proANP, BNP, NT-proBNP, which belong to the class of natriuretic peptides. Particularly, the present invention relates to diagnosing a diastolic dysfunction and/or (distinguishing a diastolic from a systolic dysfunction. Furthermore, the present invention relates to diagnostic kits (comprising an ANP-type and a BNP type peptide) as well as methods of treatment and methods for deciding about treatment.