[Monitoring heart failure with brain natriuretic peptide]

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), is a 32 amino acid containing cardiac hormone released from the ventricles due to increased filling pressure and left ventricle wall stretch. For over a decade since its discovery, information is mounting to suggest its superiority over the other natriureic peptide, ANP, as a reliable measure of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Measurement of BNP concentration in blood emerges as a sensitive and specific test for the identification of patients with congestive heart failure in the urgent-care setting. It is a potent, cost-effective addition to the diagnostic armamentarium and helps in the titration of following therapy and prognosis evaluation.