Natriuretic peptides in the diagnosis and management of acute heart failure.

The emergence of BNP or NT-proBNP testing has improved the management of acutely decompensated heart failure patients significantly by aiding in early recognition, prognostication, and treatment. Furthermore, their logical application may not only reduce healthcare costs but also potentially reduce adverse clinical outcomes. This article reviews the understanding of utilizing natriuretic peptide testing to correctly diagnose and manage acute heart failure.