Cardiomyopathy laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Lina Ya’qoub, MD; Edzel Lorraine Co, DMD, MD[2]

Hyponatremia can be seen in patients with cardiomypathy and other causes of HF: it has prognostic implications; as it indicates the activation of the renin-angiotensin system in response to the stress of the cardiomyopathy and/or heart failure. Kidney function could be affected as a result of medication-toxicity, volume depletion in cases of excessive diuresis, or development of cardiorenal syndrome. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is usually elevated in systolic heart dysfunction: it can also be falsely elevated in renal failure and pulmonary embolism. On the other hand, it can be falsely low in obese patients.

• Hyponatremia can be seen in patients with cardiomypathy and other causes of HF: it has prognostic implications; as it indicates the activation of the renin-angiotensin system in response to the stress of the cardiomyopathy and/or heart failure.^[1]
• Kidney function could be affected as a result of medication-toxicity, volume depletion in cases of excessive diuresis, or development of cardiorenal syndrome.^[1]
• Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is usually elevated in systolic heart dysfunction: it can also be falsely elevated in renal failure and pulmonary embolism. On the other hand, it can be falsely low in obese patients.
• Elevated troponin levels indicate ischemic heart disease, and should be investigated as much, till coronary arterial disease is ruled out.
• Elevated iron saturation and ferritin are indicative of hemochromatosis as a cause of cardiomyopathy.

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