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The emerging role of natriuretic peptides in the diagnosis and treatment of decompensated heart failure

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Abstract

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac neurohormone and is released as prepro BNP and then enzymatically cleaved to the N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) and BNP upon ventricular myocyte stretch. Blood measurements of BNP and NT-proBNP have been used to identify patients with heart failure (HF). Clinical considerations for these tests include their half-lives in plasma, dependence on renal function for clearance, interpretation of their units of measure, and the rapid availability of the test results. The BNP assay is currently used as a diagnostic and prognostic aid in HF. In general, a BNP level below 100 pg/mL excludes acutely decompensated HF. Recombinant, human BNP (nesiritide) is an approved intravenous treatment for acute, decompensated HF. This paper reviews the literature concerning the use of this peptide as a diagnostic test and as an intravenous therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Clinical Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, 4949 Coolidge Highway, 48073, Royal Oak, MI, USA

    Peter A. McCullough MD, MPH, FACC, FACP, FCCP, FAHA

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  1. Michael J. Gallagher MD
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  2. Peter A. McCullough MD, MPH, FACC, FACP, FCCP, FAHA
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Gallagher, M.J., McCullough, P.A. The emerging role of natriuretic peptides in the diagnosis and treatment of decompensated heart failure. Curr Heart Fail Rep 1, 129–135 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-004-0022-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-004-0022-7

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