New biomarkers and heart failure

Heart failure is a major health problem with an increasing incidence and prevalence of the disease. The role of both established natriuretic peptides: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal prohormone pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in acute and chronic heart failure (HF) has been intensively studied. Its testing is routine in clinical practice for diagnosis and prognosis in HF. However, increased clarification and understanding of the interplay in the pathophysiology of HF revealed several new potential cardiac biomarkers. These novel biomarkers soluble ST2, galectin, copeptin and, mid-regional fragment of pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) may aid in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of acute and chronic heart failure. (C) 2013 The Czech Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp.zo.o. All rights reserved.