Which pair of markers are used as the two natriuretic peptide markers for congestive heart failure?

• A. Troponin I and CK-MB
• B. BNP and NT-proBNP
• C. Myoglobin and C-reactive protein
• D. D-dimer and Fibrinogen

Answer: (B)

Natriuretic peptides BNP and NT-proBNP are released by the heart in response to ventricular stretch and volume overload, which is typical in congestive heart failure. Measuring these two markers together improves diagnostic accuracy and helps gauge severity and prognosis, since higher levels correlate with worse heart failure and can guide treatment decisions. In contrast, markers like troponin I and CK-MB indicate myocardial injury, not heart failure; myoglobin and C-reactive protein reflect muscle damage or inflammation; and D-dimer with fibrinogen relate to coagulation and thrombosis. Because BNP and NT-proBNP specifically reflect cardiac wall stress, they are the two natriuretic peptide markers used for congestive heart failure.