NT-proBNP, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, pro-B-type natriuretic peptide

Natriuretic hormone (B-type) N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, pro-B-type natriuretic peptide)

Pro-BNP is a highly sensitive assay for the early detection of chronic heart failure (CHF).

Natriuretic hormone is produced directly in the ventricular myocardium of the heart, making it an important assay which directly reflects the load on the heart. High sensitivity and specificity of the hormone in relation to the diagnosis of heart failure of any etiology has been revealed [Nakamura M. et al., 2001]. It allows to give a quantitative objective assessment of heart failure and display the dynamics of ongoing therapy.

The mechanism of action is as follows: when the load on the heart increases, the hormone is released into the blood, thereby increasing renal blood flow and sodium excretion from the body, decreases circulating blood volume, blood pressure, and as a consequence, the load on the heart.

The N-terminal peptide is a precursor molecule to the hormone itself. The assay is based on its determination as the natriuretic hormone (B-type) N-terminal pro-peptide has a higher stability in the blood compared to the natriuretic hormone itself.

Pro-BNP makes it possible to diagnose heart failure much earlier than other methods of examination, even ultrasound. Moreover, when CHF treatment is carried out the outcome can only be judged subjectively, i.e. by a reduction in the patient's complaints. Pro-BNP gives an objective assessment of the quality of treatment.