Biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of heart failure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biomarker Research
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) is a major global health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
• Circulating biomarkers offer potential for early HF diagnosis and improved patient management.
• Natriuretic peptides (NPs), including B-type NP (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP), are key hormones released during cardiac stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic and prognostic utility of various biomarkers in heart failure.
• To evaluate the role of natriuretic peptides in guiding heart failure therapy.
• To explore emerging biomarkers and multi-omics approaches for refining HF management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing evidence on HF biomarkers.
• Analysis of studies investigating B-type NP (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP) in HF diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment guidance.
• Examination of other promising biomarkers such as high-sensitivity troponins, soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2, galectin-3, and markers of renal dysfunction.

Main Results:

• BNP and NT-proBNP are established for HF diagnosis and risk stratification, and show promise for screening and initiating treatment in subclinical HF.
• Evidence regarding the use of NPs as a guide for ongoing HF therapy is conflicting.
• High-sensitivity troponins and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 demonstrate independent value for risk stratification beyond NPs.

Conclusions:

• Natriuretic peptides are valuable tools for HF diagnosis and initiating treatment, but their role in guiding therapy needs further clarification.
• Emerging biomarkers and multi-omic analyses hold potential for personalized HF management strategies.
• Continued research into novel biomarkers and integrated approaches is crucial for advancing HF care.