Right Ventricular Failure in Congenital Heart Defects

Usually, "heart failure" refers to myocardial insufficiency of the left ventricle. However, in patients with congenital heart defects, often predominantly the right ventricle is affected. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been shown to be a reliable biomarker for left ventricular function and severity of left ventricular failure. The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with regard to its predictive value as a biomarker for right ventricular function, clinical symptoms and/or the patients' quality of life.To this end, blood levels of neurohumoral markers are measured and tested for statistical correlation with exercise tolerance and right ventricular function, as assessed by imaging methods. A sample of healthy volunteers serves as a control group.