Clinical chemistry
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BNP and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) concentrations may be depressed in patients with increased body mass index (BMI). Whether increased BMI affects accuracy of these biomarkers for diagnosing decompensated heart failure (HF) and predicting outcomes is unknown. ⋯ In this study population, obese patients had significantly lower BNP and NT-proBNP that reflected lower mortality. BNP and NT-proBNP can be used in all BMI groups for decompensated HF diagnosis, although BMI-specific cutpoints may be necessary to optimize sensitivity.