The New Zealand medical journal
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Recognition of heart failure may be difficult in patients presenting with acute dyspnoea, particularly in the presence of chronic airways obstruction or obesity. In a previous study of patients with acute dyspnoea, we showed that the measurement of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)-a hormone secreted in increased amounts by the failing heart-accurately distinguishes heart failure from primary lung disorder. The aim of the present study was to develop a rapid assay for BNP and evaluate its diagnostic use in patients acutely hospitalised for increasing dyspnoea of any cause. ⋯ Rapid BNP assays are practicable and provide accurate information on cardiac status-superior to chest radiographs in many cases-early in the course of the patient's presentation with acute dyspnoea.