Biomarkers in heart failure: Traditional and emerging indicators for prognosis

Biomarkers have long been of major importance in the diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of heart failure (HF). Recently, in addition to conventional biomarkers, new types of biomarkers have emerged that are not yet used in the clinical practice and may later become of paramount importance in the long-term management of HF. The aim of this Editorial is to highlight the latest advancements of HF related biomarkers that have been published in ESC Heart Failure.

Biomarkers are crucial for diagnosing, managing and predicting the outcome of HF, which is a complex condition where the heart struggles to effectively pump blood.¹ These biological indicators encompass various proteins, enzymes and hormones present in the blood or tissue samples. They provide valuable insights into the underlying pathophysiological processes of HF, such as myocardial stress, inflammation and neurohormonal activation. By accurately reflecting disease progression and treatment response, biomarkers empower healthcare providers to make informed decisions on patient care, therapy adjustments and probable outcomes. Given the increasing prevalence of HF, biomarkers are essential for enhancing personalized medicine approaches in HF management.²

Biomarkers have paramount importance in all aspects of HF management, as their systematic inclusion can greatly advance risk stratification and clinical decision-making in the daily practice.

None declared.