It is also important to note that established biomarkers for kidney function (creatinine), liver function (AST and ALT), inflammation (C-reactive protein) and heart failure (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) were not different in HCM patients in the preoperative and postoperative states (Additional file 1: Table S1, Additional file 2: Table S2, line 210; [4]). Here, NPPB is linked to heart failure.