1. We recommend that B-type NP (BNP)/aminoterminal fragment of propeptide BNP (NT-proBNP) levels be measured to help confirm or rule out a diagnosis of heart failure in the acute or ambulatory care setting in patients in whom the clinical diagnosis is in doubt. (Strong Recommendation, High-Quality Evidence).
2. We recommend that measurement of BNP/NT-proBNP levels be considered in patients with an established diagnosis of HF for prognostic stratification. (Strong Recommendation, High-Quality Evidence).

Values and Preferences: These recommendations remain unchanged from previous CCS HF guidelines. The levels of NPs for ruling in and ruling out a diagnosis of HF are shown in Table 1.