Recently, biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic peptide, BNP; or the N-terminal part of the precursor peptide of BNP, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP, collectively referred to here as BNP), have been used as a more objective means of assessing HF severity and to prompt more appropriate titration of HF therapies. This evidence concerns the gene NPPB and hydrops fetalis.