Brain natriuretic peptide and biomarkers of myocardial ischemia increase after defibrillation threshold testing.

Background: During implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion, induced ventricular fibrillation followed by test shocks (defibrillation threshold testing [DFT]) is utilized to confirm effective device function. The effect of DFT on ventricular function is uncertain. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker of ventricular dysfunction and hemodynamic stress.