Natriuretic Peptides

Natriuretic Peptides Lori B. Daniels, Alan S. Maisel Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are released from the heart in response to pressure and volume overload and have become important diagnostic tools for assessing patients who present acutely with dyspnea. Natriuretic peptides also have significant prognostic value and can be used to guide both inpatient and outpatient therapy in heart failure patients. Knowing a patient’s NP level and understanding how to interpret it can improve care. This state-of-the-art review article provides background and insight to guide optimal use of NP levels in many areas of clinical practice.