| Literature DB >> 16478039 |
Abstract
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) levels can indicate a variety of heart problems, as well as general critical illness. BNP and NT-proBNP assays are useful for evaluating patients with acute dyspnea, as a low level of natriuretic peptide can help rule out congestive heart failure (CHF) and reduce reliance on echocardiography. Conversely, these assays can be particularly useful in recognizing CHF in a patient with acute dyspnea and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, clinical judgment must always be part of the evaluation of BNP or NT-proBNP assay results.Entities:
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Year: 2006 PMID: 16478039 DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.73.2.149
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Cleve Clin J Med ISSN: 0891-1150 Impact factor: 2.321