When protein levels were compared according to the etiology of HF, proANP and ANP levels did not show any significant difference from controls (94±15 vs. 100±15, p = 0.258; and 92±17 vs. 100±17, p = 0.194, respectively, for the DCM group; 112±22 vs. 100±15, p = 0.122; and 85±31 vs. 100±17, p = 0.151, respectively, for the ICM group). This evidence concerns the gene NPPA and hydrops fetalis.