Natriuretic peptide hormone measurement in acute coronary syndromes.

Cardiac Ischemia is an important trigger for the release of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). BNP and N-terminal pro-BNP (N-proBNP) are emerging as important biomarkers for risk stratification in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Higher levels of BNP and pro-BNP are associated with a greater risk for death and heart failure, independent of traditional clinical variables and levels of other biomarkers such as troponins and C-reactive protein. The therapeutic implications of these findings are not yet known.