NPPB and heart failure: Natriuretic peptides are being increasingly used in the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure.8 BNP is a polypeptide derivative of the 108 amino-acid precursor molecule named Pro-BNP which is cleaved into C-terminal (biologically active form) and N-terminal N-terminal (biologically inactive NT-proBNP).4 Natriuretic peptide levels are not only indicators of various cardiovascular diseases, but also are markers of their severity.9