Evaluation of coronary artery stenosis in patients with unstable angina by Tei index and brain natriuretic peptide

AIM: To assess the value of Doppler echocardiographic Tei index and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in evaluating coronary artery stenosis in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and their relationship with myocardial ischemia. METHODS: Ninety two consecutive UAP patients and 30 controls with suspected coronary diseases were included in the study. All participants had previously undergone coronary angiography. According to the results, patients were divided into one-vessel disease group, two-vessel disease group and three-vessel disease group. Gensini scores were recorded, and echocardiography and cardiac hormonal analysis were performed. RESULTS: Tei index and BNP were higher in patients with UAP. They increased with the number of stenosed coronary arteries and were independent predictors of myocardial ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of Tei index and BNP is useful in evaluating the severity of coronary artery stenosis and screening high-risk patients for invasive management.