Which biomarker level is elevated in HF and correlates with severity?

Which biomarker level is elevated in HF and correlates with severity?

• A. Troponin
• B. C-reactive protein
• C. NT-proBNP
• D. D-dimer

Answer: (C)

Natriuretic peptides released from the ventricles rise as filling pressures and wall stress increase in heart failure, so the NT-proBNP level closely tracks HF severity. Measuring NT-proBNP helps confirm a heart failure diagnosis and provides prognostic information and a way to monitor response to therapy. Other biomarkers listed relate to different processes: troponin signals myocardial injury (not HF severity per se), C-reactive protein is a nonspecific inflammatory marker, and D-dimer indicates thrombotic activity. Thus, NT-proBNP best fits the question by reflecting both the presence and the severity of heart failure.

Natriuretic peptides released from the ventricles rise as filling pressures and wall stress increase in heart failure, so the NT-proBNP level closely tracks HF severity. Measuring NT-proBNP helps confirm a heart failure diagnosis and provides prognostic information and a way to monitor response to therapy. Other biomarkers listed relate to different processes: troponin signals myocardial injury (not HF severity per se), C-reactive protein is a nonspecific inflammatory marker, and D-dimer indicates thrombotic activity. Thus, NT-proBNP best fits the question by reflecting both the presence and the severity of heart failure.