Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access

Abstract

The Evolving Utility and Applications of NT-proBNP in the Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure

Samuel Norman*

Heart failure (HF) remains a significant healthcare challenge, with increasing morbidity and economic burden. NTerminal pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) is a well-established cardiac biomarker widely used in HF for diagnosis, risk stratification and therapeutic guidance. This mini-review summarizes the current and emerging roles of NT-proBNP in HF management, with a focus on its diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic utility. NT-proBNP is a valuable diagnostic tool, especially in emergency settings, for distinguishing HF from other causes of dyspnea and it has been incorporated into clinical guidelines for both acute and primary care settings. Additionally, NT-proBNP serves as a robust prognostic marker, correlating with disease severity, mortality and hospitalization rates. NT-proBNPguided therapy has shown promise in optimizing treatment, although its benefit in certain patient populations remains debated. Furthermore, NT-proBNP is associated with longer hospital stays and can inform discharge planning and reduce healthcare costs. Our recent study explored the use of NT-proBNP to triage the need for inpatient echocardiography, finding that it may safely reduce length of stay without harm, warranting further investigation. As novel therapies for HF emerge, including SGLT2 inhibitors and neprilysin inhibitors, NT-proBNP’s role in monitoring treatment response and guiding therapy adjustments remains a key area for ongoing research. Overall, NT-proBNP continues to be a cornerstone in HF diagnosis and management, with potential for broader applications in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Published Date: 2025-07-07; Received Date: 2023-11-07