Evaluation of Natriuretic Peptides and Troponins as Prognostic Indices and Surrogate Markers for Morbidity and Mortality in Advanced Heart Failure: A Substudy of the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catherterization...

( Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). proatrial natriuretic peptide, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) will be measured at randomization, discharge, 90:f:14days, and 180:f:14 days. Blood samples for these tests (15 mL) will be drawn when the patient undergoes venipuncture for routine clinical assessment, with no need for additional needlesticks to participate in this study. The 6-month samples will be held at the core laboratory (Mayo Clinic) in the event that they need to be analyzed at a later date. Unused serum also will be stored, for confirmation of initial results or measurement of other related hormones. All analyses will be performed at the core laboratory by personnel unaware of treatment assignment.