THE CORRELATION OF LEFT ATRIAL FUNCTION AND CIRCULATING N-TERMINAL PRO-BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE LEVELS IN CATS WITH HEART DISEASES

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between left atrium (LA) function variables and plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in cats with heart disease. Forty-six client-owned cats were classified into a healthy group (23 cats), an asymptomatic heart disease (HD) group (14 cats), and a heart failure (HF) group (9 cats). We measured plasma NT-proBNP levels, LA function variables, and standard echocardiography in all cats. Variables of LA function, including complete, active, and passive contraction, were assessed based on LA diameter, LA area, and LA volume. Those HD and HF cats had significantly higher NT-proBNP concentrations than healthy cats. Those HF cats had the largest LA size variables and the poorest LA function performance, followed by HD cats and then healthy cats. NT-proBNP levels correlated negatively with LA reservoir, conduit, and booster pump function in cats. Among all the three phases of the heartbeat, minimum LA size correlated positively with NT-proBNP concentration. Progressive impairment of LA function positively correlated with NT-proBNP levels in cats with heart disease. Minimum LA size may be a strong indicator of left ventricular diastolic function.