Evolution of amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide testing in heart failure

Abstract

The use of natriuretic peptide testing has expanded considerably over the recent years. Thanks to clinical trials that have demonstrated significant benefits associated with testing for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its amino-terminal pro-peptide (NTproBNP), testing for these peptides is now ubiquitous in modern medicine. This review will focus on the use of NTproBNP in clinical medicine, with a discussion of the biologic significance of NT-proBNP, its proven present uses and potential future applications.