NPPB and Left ventricular dilatation: In contrast, plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and its N-terminal inactive molecule (NT-proBNP), concentrations are typically much higher than those seen in patients with myocardial infarction.41, 42 Moreover, NT-proBNP concentrations are particular high in patients with ‘apical’ compared to ‘atypical’ variants, which may reflect the greater degree of acute left ventricular dilatation and myocardial stretch.