Natriuretic peptides in the evaluation of suspected heart failure: studies in primary care are needed

heart failure, underwent mitral valve replacement for severe mitral regurgitation. This case report warrants attention in that the duration of anorectic treatment was short and the dosages administered were half of the standard. Furthermore, although patients who manifest valvulopathy typically develop symptoms within months of exposure, symptoms occurred in this patient 2 years after discontinuation of the drugs, which later led to mitral valve replacement. Therefore all patients who develop mitral valvulopathy following the use of anorectic agents require longterm clinical and echocardiographic follow-up. Although, according to Silverstry and St. John Sutton, the majority of patients have mild rather than severe mitral regurgitation and there is no evidence of progressive deterioration after cessation of use of anorectic agents, there are exceptions.