| abstract |
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a cardiac dysfunction in a subject, comprising the steps of (a) measuring, preferably in vitro, the level of a BNP-type peptide in a sample from the subject, (b) measuring, preferably in vitro, the level of an ANP-type peptide in a sample from the subject, (c) calculating the ratio of the measured level of the ANP-type peptide to the measured level of the BNP-type peptide, (d) comparing the calculated ratio to at least one known ratio indicative of the presence or absence of a cardiac dysfunction. Preferred markers according to the present invention are ANP, NT-proANP, BNP, NT-proBNP, which belong to the class of natriuretic peptides. Particularly, the present invention relates to diagnosing a diastolic dysfunction and/or distinguishing a diastolic from a systolic dysfunction. Furthermore, the present invention relates to diagnostic kits (comprising an ANP-type and a BNP type peptide) as well as methods of treatment and methods for deciding about treatment. |