title: Natriuretic peptides and the heart: current and future implications for clinical biochemistry.
abstract: The measurement of B-type natriuretic peptides in plasma is under intense promotion as a method of screening for heart failure. This article provides a historical context for this contention, and attempts to highlight what practical problems may be encountered in establishing a screening service from a clinical biochemistry standpoint. B-type natriuretic peptide measurements may also prove, in future, to have a significant role in the objective monitoring of treatment for heart failure, and to be a valuable prognostic indicator in patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, South Wales NP20 2UB, UK. Michael.Penney@gwent.wales.nhs.uk
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Penney
mesh_terms: D001681:Biological Assay; D005544:Forecasting; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics; D045265:Natriuretic Peptides / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D011379:Prognosis; D012982:Sodium, Dietary
chemical_list: D045265:Natriuretic Peptides; D012982:Sodium, Dietary