Marker of myocardial stretch – Cardiology MCQ

Which of the following is a marker of myocardial stretch:
a) BNP
b) Troponin
c) Myoglobin
d) Galectin 3
Correct answer: a) BNP
BNP and NT-pro-BNP are markers of myocardial stretch which can be markedly increased in heart failure. They can also be used to differentiate between constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy as there is no myocardial stretch in constrictive pericarditis.
Troponin is a marker of myocardial necrosis and so is myoglobin, though the former is highly specific while the latter is non-specific.
Galectin 3 is a new biomarker protein, a member of the lectin family. It is associated with activation of macrophages and fibroblasts. This results in secretion procollagen I which is cross linked to form collagen. Hence Galectin 3 can be considered as a marker of cardiac fibrosis.