Effect of galectin-3 and brain natriuretic peptide levels on echocardiographic parameters of left heart chamber following coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND: The article analyzes changes of echocardiographic (EchoCG) parameters of the left chamber over time and their relationship with galectin-3 and NT-proBNP levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and various recovery periods. AIM: To assess the diagnostic value of left heart chamber remodeling, non–conventional markers NT-proBNP and galectin-3 in predicting the risk of prolonged recovery in patients with CAD following CABG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 100 men with CAD following CABG were enrolled. Group 1 included 58 patients who returned to work 4 months after the surgery. Group 2 included 42 patient with recovery period over 4 months. All patients had EchoCG, galectin-3 and NT-proBNP levels were determined 1 and 4 months after CABG. RESULTS: One and 4 months after revascularization, left atrial sphericity index, left ventricular sphericity index, and myocardial mass index in Group 2 were higher compared to both control group (p=0.01) and Group 1 (p=0.01). By Month 4 of rehabilitation, patients with a prolonged rehabilitation period had high end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters and lower left ventricular ejection fraction compared to Group 1 (p=0.01). A comparative analysis of diastolic function in both study groups showed an impaired active relaxation and increased LV myocardial stiffness, which were higher in patients with a prolonged recovery period. Throughout the rehabilitation period, galectin-3 and NT-proBNP levels in patients with prolonged CABG recovery were significantly higher than those in patients with rapid recovery (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The determined patterns of EchoCG parameters and biochemical markers are expected to identify special populations with CAD following CABG and an increased risk of prolonged recovery at baseline, which will help determine examinations and follow-up care.