Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that affect how quickly cells age. They are combinations of DNA and protein that protect the ends of chromosomes and help them remain stable. As they become shorter, and as their structural integrity weakens, the cells age and die quicker.
See p 2392. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone secreted mainly in the cardiac ventricles in response to volume expansion and pressure overload.1,2 Activation of BNP in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has generated considerable interest in both its diagnostic and prognostic properties.
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP): low BNP levels may help to rule out cardiogenic shock in the setting of hypotension but a high BNP level isn't diagnostic of cardiogenic shock (eg, there may be high BNP levels in PE, atrial fibrillation and sepsis). BNP levels may be more practical in monitoring progression in CCU/ICU.