Use of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in the Evaluation and Management of Acute Dyspnea

B-type natriuretic peptide levels are higher in patients with congestive heart failure than in patients with dyspnea from other causes.

We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study of 452 patients who presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea: 225 patients were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy involving the measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide levels with the use of a rapid bedside assay, and 227 were assessed in a standard manner. The time to discharge and the total cost of treatment were the primary end points.