Biomarkers in the management of heart failure.

OPINION STATEMENT: Biomarkers, especially natriuretic peptides such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP), are a valuable addition to standard clinical assessment in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure (HF). Furthermore, there is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that natriuretic peptide-guided HF management may improve mortality, morbidity, and cost effectiveness. This work focuses on the use of BNP or NT-proBNP for the outpatient management of patients with chronic HF.