Relation between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and response to enhanced external counterpulsation in chronic angina pectoris.

Abstract

Although enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) provides symptom reduction in many patients with severe angina pectoris, one-quarter of patients fail to respond. Earlier reports have not clearly established whether and how EECP responders may be identified pre-hoc. We hypothesized that clinical and biochemical data may be used to predict EECP response.