Biomarkers in heart failure

[...]BNP and NT-proBNP circulating concentrations correlate strongly with left ventricular end-diastolic wall stress, thus providing a surrogate measurement of severity of a patient's heart failure, irrespective of clinical symptoms. 7 Secondly, baseline NP values offer significant prognostic information, with follow-up NP measurement offering perhaps even more significance, as patients with the greatest fall in plasma NP concentrations have been shown to have the most favourable outcomes. 8 Third, validated automated and point-of-care assays are widely available, making NP measurement quick and convenient for both patient and physician. [...]NP values have been shown to fall across diuretic, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), β-blocker, spironolactone, and nesiritide induced cardiac improvements, 9 suggesting that NP guidance may prove extremely effective in determining the method and adequacy of heart failure treatment.\n26, p