B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP] is released from ventricular myocardium in response to increased ventricular wall tension or stretch. A rapid assay for the measurement of serum BNP levels has been developed and is in clinical use for the evaluation of dyspnea related to ventricular dysfunction. Serum BNP determination has been described as having a higher level of diagnostic accuracy for congestive heart failure as a cause for dyspnea than any other single historical, physical, or laboratory finding. When used in conjunction with other clinical information, the rapid assay for serum BNP levels is useful in establishing or excluding cardiac dysfunction as a cause for acute onset dyspnea (4). During uncomplicated pregnancy, serum BNP levels remain the same as levels seen in non-pregnant women. Among patients with severe preeclampsia, serum BNP levels have been observed to rise to eight times baseline values. Decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and percentage of fractional shortening within myocardium was observed in the preeclampsia group compared to the normal pregnancy group. The degree of structural and functional change was linearly related to the degree of elevation of cardiac natriuretic peptides, including B-type natriuretic peptide levels (5).