Background: Serum levels of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal (NT) proBNP are measured at admission to assess likelihood of acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Pro-BNP, released by myocardium due to cardiac wall distention, is cleaved into the active BNP and inactive NT-proBNP forms. Elevated NT-proBNP levels on initial presentation are a reliable marker of [...]

Background: While NT-proBNP has been known to predict mortality in heart failure patients and in hospitalized patients, its association with mortality in healthy adults without a history of cardiovascular disease is unknown. Further, it is unclear if a one-time measurement of NT-proBNP can predict distant mortality. Therefore, we examined the association between NT-proBNP with all-cause [...]

Background: Serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, measured on admission and discharge, have been a prudent predictor of outcomes among patients with heart failure. However, daily BNP measurements have no benefits for the management of heart failure and are costly. We investigated the practice pattern in St. Luke’s Hospital, and employed an educational intervention to [...]

Background: Cardiac biomarkers, such as myoglobin and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), are frequently ordered in the emergency room and inpatient settings. Newer studies and guidelines have called into question the value of these tests in diagnosis and management. Myoglobin is commonly used for early diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients who present with [...]