Right Heart Failure

My physician has order a BNP (beta-type natriuretic peptide) several times recently.  My results have been elevated.  What is the relationship of this value to the degree of heart failure?

Would it help to resolve the right heart failure if my tricuspid valve was repaired?  I have moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, mild pulmonary hypertension (RVSP 42), biatrial enlargement, JVD, 2-3+ leg and ankle edema, poor activity tolerance, and weight gain.  I did have a mitral valve replacement about seven months ago complicated by sinus node dysfunction requiring a pacemaker. I did have atrial fibrillation that has now changed to Atrial flutter which has required four cardioversions since summer.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dotty,

In answer to your question #1 of BNP: It is difficult to tell how much the right heart congestion is elevating your levels and clinically it probably really doesnt make much of a difference in how you are treated. As physicians, we are still trying to figure out exactly what the role of BNP will be in the field of cardiology. It held some promise in its inital use and may still help in the diagnosis of heart failure in the emergency setting, but overall it really hasn't proven to be that useful overall.  

The answer to your second question is the same as when you asked it before. I couldn't really tell you the best treatment of your right heart symptoms without seeing you. I would recommend you seek a second opinion if you arent satisfied with the answers youv'e had so far.

Good luck