Role of cardiac biomarkers in assessment of RV function and prognosis in chronic pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Humoral biomarkers emerged within the last decade as an attractive non-invasive tool for assessment and monitoring of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Combined with clinical assessment, they offer the possibility to reduce the frequency of traditional, time-consuming, complex, and costly tests. Echocardiography, right heart catheterization (RHC), or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) could then be reserved for detailed initial evaluation and for resolving more complex emerging clinical problems. Biomarkers would be particularly useful for outpatient monitoring and daily clinical practice. Our paper reviews the evidence collected so far in this dynamically developing area of cardiovascular medicine. © The European Society of Cardiology 2007. All rights reserved.