Med. praxi. 2026;23(4):281-286 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2026.036

NT-proBNP in general practice: a new era of heart failure screening

PharmDr. Karolína Nálevková

Medical oddělení, ROCHE s. r. o., Diagnostics Division, Praha

Chronic heart failure (CHF) represents a major medical and socioeconomic burden that has been long underdiagnosed in primary care. Approximately 80% of patients are correctly identified only at an advanced stage following acute hospitalization, even though non-specific symptoms often manifest up to five years prior to the diagnosis. The key tool for early detection is the determination of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. This article provides a comprehensive and practical guide to interpreting NT-proBNP values based on the latest guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Attention is also paid to the update of the Decree on Preventive Examinations, effective from January 1, 2026, which introduces routine screening of asymptomatic individuals in defined age categories with cardiovascular risk factors, supported by the VZP PLUS bonus program. The article details management algorithms for symptomatic patients, specific considerations in patients with atrial fibrillation, diabetics, and post-oncology patients at risk of late cardiotoxicity. At the same time, it highlights diagnostic pitfalls, such as falsely negative values in obese patients.

Keywords: chronic heart failure, NT-proBNP, screening, preventive examination, general practitioner.

Accepted: August 31, 2026; Published: October 14, 2026  Show citation