When and how to intervene

High blood pressure and hypertensive heart disease are the most significant risk factors for heart failure. The symptoms are very nonspecific, especially in the early stages of heart failure. Measuring the peptide hormones BNP and NT-proBNP as cardiac markers can be informative—if levels are elevated, additional tests, such as an echocardiogram, are recommended. Today, there are highly effective medications available for patients with heart failure that have been proven to improve the prognosis.