Hypothesis: The study was undertaken to assess the relationship between circulating AM concentration and left ventricular (LV) functional state, estimated by echo-Doppler techniques in patients with mild to moderate HF and different degrees of LV dysfunction. Background: Increased circulating adrenomedullin (AM) concentration has been reported in congestive heart failure (HF) and considered as a possible marker of cardiac dysfunction. Methods: Plasma AM, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and N-terminal (NT) proBNP levels were measured in 55 patients with HF (New York Heart Association [NYHA] In = 8, II n= 26, III n= 21) and in 20 controls; dP/dt was calculated by the Doppler tracing of the mitral regurgitationjet. Results: The study was completed in 51 patients. Adrenomedullin levels were higher than in controls (19.2 ± 1.4 vs. 13.3 ± 0.7, p