Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Integration of Brain Tissue Saturation Monitoring in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Patients with Heart Failure
Published on: October 1, 2019
Use of natriuretic peptide assay in dyspnea
Michael Christ1, Christian Mueller
1Departement Innere Medizin, Medizinische Klinik A, Universitätsspital Basel, Petersgraben 4, Basel, Switzerland. MicChrist@uhbs.ch
Introduction:
Acute dyspnea is a common symptom in patients admitted to hospital via emergency department. Heart failure is a common cause with high morbidity and mortality, but diagnostically challenging. Improvement in diagnostic techniques is needed.
Methods:
Selective search of Medline.
Results:
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its N-terminal fragment (NT-proBNP) are extremely helpful in the diagnosis of heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea. The use of natriuretic peptide assay has also been shown to be cost-effective. Since plasma levels of natriuretic peptides reflect the extent of systolic and diastolic dysfunction, measurement of natriuretic peptides is helpful in estimating overall risk in patients with heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. They have also been used in the management of patients with valvular disease and in tailoring therapy in patients with heart failure.
Discussion:
BNP and NT-proBNP are quantitative markers of heart failure that are helpful for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment monitoring.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:27Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology