1. We suggest, in ambulatory patients with HF due to systolic dysfunction, measurement of BNP or NT-proBNP to guide management should be considered to decrease HF-related hospitalizations and potentially reduce mortality. The benefit is uncertain in individuals older than 75 years of age. (Weak Recommendation, Moderate-Quality Evidence).

Values and Preferences: These recommendations are based on multiple small RCTs, most of which demonstrated benefit, and 3 meta-analyses, which universally demonstrate benefit. It is realized that there is still a large RCT ongoing that might modify the conclusions.