Abstract

In the present study, arterial tension and blood ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) levels before and after intraaortic balloon treatment were compared in patients with low ejection fraction and congestive heart failure. Fourteen patients; eleven men, three women were included in the study, with mean ages 51.7+8.3 and53.3+7.3, respectively. intraaortic balloon pump was applied to eight patients during aorto-coronary bypass, to one patient during aortocoronory angiography, one patient during aortic valve replacement mitral valve replacement, and two patients with cardiogenic shock. Blood ANP concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay (the reference ranges of the kit were 31+11 pg/mL). It was concluded that, intraaortic balloon pump, in patients with low ejection fraction and congestive heart failure, led to statistically significant decrease in blood ANP concentrations and significant increase in arterial tension.