[The value of BNP determination in general practice].

The natriuretic peptides BNP and NT-proBNP are synthesized and released dependent of wall tension in the atria and ventricles. The determination of these peptides in a rapid test makes two markers available that closely correlate with the severity of heart failure. Systolic as well as diastolic left ventricular dysfunction are recorded, but a clear differentiation cannot be made by marker determination.