Natriuretic peptide guided heart failure management.

BNP or NT-proBNP testing has dramatically changed the management of acute heart failure patients by aiding in early recognition, prognostication and treatment. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that natriuretic peptide testing may guide the therapy of the stable chronic heart failure patients in out-patient setting. We will review the understanding of utilizing natriuretic peptide testing to guide heart failure therapy, including present and future directions for this exciting area.