NPPB and hydrops fetalis: In the present study, on average 30% had NTproBNP values below 125 pg/ml, and that is similar to two other studies in primary care patients suspected of HF published in 2005: 42% and 24%.14,17 In the latter study, however, only patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction were considered, not those with HF and a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).