Learning objectives

After watching this webinar, participants will:

understand the unmet need without BNP/NT-proBNP – symptoms and signs of HF have insufficient sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, relevant uncertainty regarding the presence of HF remains without BNP/NT-proBNP;
know the basic concept of NP pathophysiology – BNP/NT-proBNP are quantitative markers of haemodynamic cardiac stress and, therefore, HF. They quantify the presence and extent of LV systolic dysfunction, LV diastolic dysfunction, valvular dysfunction, and RV dysfunction;
appreciate the similarities and small differences between BNP and NT-proBNP;
understand the strong scientific bases for the use of BNP/NT-proBNP in the ED – very high and incremental diagnostic accuracy in diagnostic studies, as well as reduced time to decision and time to discharge in RCTs;
know the specific rule-out and rule-in cutoffs to be applied in the ED; and
understand obesity as the most important confounder and the concept of how to adjust for obesity.