The role of natriuretic peptides: from the emergency department throughout hospitalization.

Assessment of natriuretic peptide (NP) levels has a well-established role in the diagnosis and prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Current guidelines recommend assessment of NPs when the diagnosis is in question, yet multiple studies suggest a broader value of NP assessment. Measurement of NP levels results in more efficient treatment, resource utilization (ie, reduced costs), and possibly improved short- and long-term outcomes. Given the large number of patients hospitalized every year with heart failure, combined with the high post-discharge mortality, rehospitalization rates, and subsequent large financial costs, improving outcomes for hospitalized HF patients remains an unmet need. In this review, we highlight the value of NP assessment, starting in the emergency department and throughout hospitalization. The contents of this review were generated from a roundtable discussion of AHF and biomarker experts held in Chicago in April 2012 and focused on addressing the burden of AHF and readmission.