title: A basic guide to understanding plasma B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
abstract: Congestive heart failure (CHF) affects millions of Americans and is responsible for the highest number of annual hospital admissions (Braunwald, 2005). Recent developments have occurred regarding clinical markers used in diagnosing CHF, including plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). In this article, the pathophysiology of plasma BNP in the CHF patient, indications for its use, benefits, and factors that can affect plasma BNP levels are explored.
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Gretchen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kreiger
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects; D015982:Bias; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D002498:Centrifugation / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D018579:Patient Selection; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain