NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES AS A DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC TOOL IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

The natriuretic peptides are a family of vasoactive peptides with many favourable physiological properties. In recent years the peptides have emerged as important candidates for the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents in cardiovascular disease. Natriuretic peptides play a key role in the regulation of salt and water balance, cell growth, as well as blood pressure homeostasis. They are one of the body’s major defence mechanisms against excessive salt and water retention, and high blood pressure. In particular, atrial natriuretic peptides are involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension and heart failure. Several therapeutic approaches are under development to augment the biological actions of the system. Vasopeptidase inhibitors, which inhibit the breakdown of natriuretic peptides by neutral endopeptidase, are a promising therapeutic tool in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure. This paper summarises the pathophysiological aspects of the natriuretic family of peptides in major cardiovascular conditions and looks at the latest therapeutic use of drugs that increase natriuretic peptides levels.