Heart-type fatty acid binding protein is related to severity and established cardiac biomarkers of heart failure

OBJECTIVES: To determine concentrations of heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (HFABP) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and its potential value for prognostic assessment. METHODS: Circulating levels of HFABP were measured with an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay in 25 healthy volunteers and 60 HFrEF patients. RESULTS: Concentrations of HFABP were significantly increased in heart failure patients in comparison to healthy volunteers. HFABP levels were significantly correlated to New York Heart Association classes and to established biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction and remodeling (amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], fibroblast growth factor 23, and galectin-3). HFABP concentrations were also predictive of cardiovascular (CV) death and combination with NT-proBNP might be synergistic for risk assessment. CONCLUSIONS: HFABP levels are increased in HFrEF patients, related to adverse CV outcomes, and might assist physicians for patient’s management.