[Experiences with serum BNP (B type natriuretic peptide) in patients with systolic and diastolic heart failure].

Current study confirms and extends recent observations concerning the diagnostic usefulness of B type natriuretic peptide. It discriminates well between dyspnea of cardiac and non-cardiac origin in the unselected population. Echocardiography represents useful diagnostic tool for assessment of systolic and diastolic ventricular function.