B-type natriuretic peptide levels predict event-free survival in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Introduction: We examined whether B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels predict outcome in heart failure patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) using a combined endpoint of malignant tachyarrhythmias, death or heart transplantation.

Methods And Results: BNP levels were measured in 123 ICD patients with chronic heart failure (age: 63+/-12 years, ejection fraction: 29+/-10%). After a median follow-up of 25 months, the combined endpoint was reached in 28 patients (first tachyarrhythmic event, n=16; death, n=11; heart transplantation, n=1).