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Abstract
Existing literature on two natriuretic peptides--B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
and amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP)--is overwhelming. Both
peptides are acknowledged markers for cardiac dysfunction. Most of the sources present
data on either BNP or NTproBNP making the comparison difficult. This paper focuses
on reviewing studies directly comparing two peptides in the setting of chronic and
acute heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease. Many concomitant diseases influence
these two peptides to varying extent. These characteristics should be taken into consideration
when interpreting results. For most practical purposes, BNP and NTproBNP are interchangeable,
and can be used based on local preferences and availability. NTproBNP seems to be
more advantageous for diagnosing mild HF or asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.