The group of natriuretic peptides is formed by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), natriuretic peptide type B (BNP), natriuretic peptide type C (CNP) and urodilatin. They possess natriuretic, diuretic and vasodilatory effects; they also affect other actions. They regulate the circulation volume via renal excretion of water and natrium cation. Blood pressure regulation is achieved by direct mechanism and through renin-angiotensin-aldosteron axis with subsequent effects on vasculature. Natriuretic peptides are important for understanding the nature of many diseases, and could be used for diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic procedures. BNP levels could be used as a screening method for population with hidden symptoms of heart failure, as an indication for therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, for evaluation of this therapy and for prognostication of patients after acute myocardial infarction.

        Key words: atrial natriuretic peptide – natriuretic peptide type B – fluid regulation – natriuresis – heart failure