This project is now complete.
Project Introduction
Heart failure is a complex syndrome in which the ability of the heart to function as a pump is impaired. It is one of the main reasons for hospitalisation in Scotland and is associated with high mortality.
There is evidence that a blood test which measures B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro BNP (NT-Pro-BNP), peptide hormones produced in the heart, aids the diagnosis of heart failure because plasma BNP or NT-Pro-BNP concentrations are raised in patients with heart failure. This Short Health Technology Asessment (Short HTA) will test whether or not a negative BNP or NT-Pro-BNP result can reliably rule out heart failure and whether or not a positive result can increase the accuracy of diagnosis.
The aim of this Short HTA is to establish the place of BNP or NT-Pro-BNP in the diagnosis of heart failure in Scotland and determine the associated costs and benefits of the strategy which will be recommended as a result of the assessment.
Expected Date of Publication:
February 2005
Additional Information:
The following links will provide additional information on this project:
- Project Overview
- Scope of the Assessment (PDF, 42K, 11 secs)
- Consultation Report on B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
- Contact Details