Abstract
B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide have emerged as powerful biomarkers for heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions. B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide are synthesized on the basis of myocardial stress and hypertrophy and are detectable in serum by several commercially available assays. Although both markers display wide similarities in their predictive values for acute and chronic heart failure, important differences exist regarding cutoff values and influence of noncardiac variables. The similarities and differences between B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide will be reviewed and illustrated in detail regarding preanalytics and analytics, predictive properties for acute and chronic heart failure and prognosis as well as the influence of noncardiac parameters.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the excellent assistance and lectorate of Monika Schöll.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
Andreas Luchner has received grant support and speakers honoraria from Biosite and Roche Diagnostics. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.