NPPB and hydrops fetalis: NT-proBNP, a peptide released from myocardium in response to ventricular wall stress and dysfunction, is a marker of myocardial damage and subclinical cardiac function, and is strongly related to incident atrial fibrillation and HF.23, 31 A recent report has shown NT-proBNP to be increased in heavy drinkers in a population-based study32 which is consistent with our findings.