Brain natriuretic peptide in heart failure and beyond

Hospital admissions with heart failure (HF) are increasing worldwide. It is the main reason for hospitalization of elderly patients. Heart failure affects nearly 15% of patients aged >75 years. Prognosis after diagnosis of HF is comparable to that of cancers with 50% survival after 4 years of mild HF and 50% after one year in more severe cases. Current data increasingly suggest that measurement of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is very useful in diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and risk stratification of patients with HF and beyond. This paper reviews the available literature concerning the BNP and N-terminal pro brain-type natriuretic peptide to assess their role in current medical practice.