TABLE 2

Recommendations for measuring biomarkers in heart failure

Patient groupClassa
At risk of heart failure
BNP or NT-proBNP for preventionIIa
Ambulatory with new-onset dyspnea
BNP or NT-proBNP for diagnosisI
With NYHA class II-IV symptoms
BNP or NT-proBNP for prognosisI
Other biomarkers of myocardial injury or fibrosisb for prognosisIIb
With acute dyspnea in the emergency department
BNP or NT-proBNP for diagnosisI
BNP or NT-proBNP, and cardiac troponin for prognosisI
Hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure
BNP or NT-proBNP, and cardiac troponin for prognosisI
BNP or NT-proBNP before discharge for prognosisIIa
Other biomarkers of myocardial injury or fibrosisb for prognosisIIb
  • a Class of recommendation (I strong, Ila moderate, Ilb weak).

  • b For example, soluble ST2 receptor, galectin-3, and high-sensitivity troponin.

  • BNP = B-type natriuretic peptide; NT-proBNP = N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide; NYHA = New York Heart Association

  • Information from reference 1.