Brain natriuretic peptide testing for angina in a rapid-access chest pain clinic

S. B. Connolly, T. Collier, R. Khugputh, D. Tataree, K. Kyereme, S. Merritt, A. D. Struthers, K. F. Fox

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    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: Patients complaining of chest pain are frequently referred to secondary care, although the majority have pain of non-cardiac origin.

    Aim: To investigate whether B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are predictive of a diagnosis of non-cardiac pain.

    Design: Cross-sectional study.

    Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 296) presenting to a rapid-access chest pain clinic (RACPC) received the usual clinical assessment plus near-patient BNP testing, with the assessor blinded to the result. After clinical assessment (including exercise stress testing if clinically indicated), pain was diagnosed likely/definitely cardiac or non-cardiac.

    Results: Median BNP was higher in those diagnosed with likely/definite cardiac chest pain (26.5 vs. 8 pg/ml) (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank sum test). The odds ratio for cardiac pain in those with BNP < 20 pg/ml was 0.25 (95%CI 0.14-0.47) (p < 0.0005); adjusting for age and sex reduced this to 0.41 (95%CI 0.20-0.83) (p =0.01). The area under the curve (AUC) for the model including BNP, age and sex was 0.70. With BNP as a continuous variable, the AUC for the same model was 0.72.

    Discussion: In typical patients presenting to a RACPC, those with a BNP <= 20 pg/ml were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with cardiac pain. Near-patient BNP testing may have a role as a rule out test for angina in patients presenting to a RACPC.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)779-783
    Number of pages5
    JournalQJM : an International Journal of Medicine
    Volume100
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

    Keywords

    • CORONARY-ARTERY-DISEASE
    • MYOCARDIAL-ISCHEMIA
    • HEART
    • EXPRESSION
    • RISK

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