B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and proBNP: role of emerging markers to guide therapy and determine prognosis in cardiovascular disorders

Abstract

Over the last decade, one group of neurohormonal markers, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), N-terminal pro-ANP, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and N-terminal proBNP, has generated much interest in the evaluation and management of heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. There has been so much literature on the subject, especially concerning BNP and proBNP, that it leaves us confused at times about what the literature has to say about these markers. In this article, we have made an honest attempt to examine all the available literature in relation to the impact of BNP and proBNP on cardiovascular disease and present it to the reader in an assimilated fashion.