Natriuretic peptides (NP) have been intensively studied and also used in clinical practice. Their use is important for diagnosis and risk stratification of heart failure, pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndrome. For the correct interpretation of the results is necessary to know factors, which induce elevation of natriuretic peptides. The article shows an overview of the physiology of the NP, the factors that influence the levels of NP, like heart failure, acute coronary syndrome and pulmonary embolism etc. There is also mentioned possibility of using synthetic derivates of natriuretic peptides in therapy of heart failure.

Vnitr Lek. 2014 May-Jun;60(5-6):414. PubMed