The value of (NT-pro) BNP in the diagnosis,prognosis and treatment of congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure constitutes one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Western countries. However, it is often misdiagnosed and the validity of the diagnosis is often difficult to establish. The clinical signs are not very sensitive and symptoms are nonspecific. Secretion of natriuretic peptides is increased in situations of cardiac overload. Testing the levels of these peptides, especially BNP and NT-proBNP, appears to offer a significant advance in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. In this article we would like to discuss the value of natriuretic peptides in congestive heart failure and give a short review of the literature.