BNP and NT-proBNP elevation after running--a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review was carried out to study the pattern of BNP and NT-proBNP release after running. METHODS: Data were collected by searching the PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases. RESULTS: Fifty-three reports were identified as meeting the pre-specified criteria. Twenty-seven reports, representing 1,034 participants, presented data comparing post-running BNP or NT-proBNP levels with a pre-specified cut-off. Values exceeding the upper reference limit were seen in 22.9% and 35.9% of runners, respectively. CONCLUSION: Studies have shown post-running values exceeding the upper reference limit in up to a third of runners.