Breathing Not Properly 10 Years Later What We Have Learned and What We Still Need to Learn

Since the initial studies showing the usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide for aiding in heart failure diagnosis, a vast number of other clinical applications for this neurohormone have emerged. In addition to refining our capabilities to diagnose and prognosticate in acute heart failure, natriuretic peptides are now being used in outpatient heart failure clinics, in screening programs, and in risk prediction algorithms in various settings. In just 10 years, B-type natriuretic peptide has gone from being an unknown biomarker to being one of the most useful in cardiology and beyond. In this perspective piece, the investigators review what we have learned about using natriuretic peptides over the past 10 years and the anticipated advances in their use over the next decade. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2012;60:277-82) (C) 2012 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation