B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone secreted from the cardiac ventricles in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload. BNP levels are significantly higher in patients with congestive heart failure as compared to patients with dyspnea due to other causes. Recently, the researchers were able to show that the use of BNP levels significantly improves the management of patients with acute dyspnea in the emergency department. As a simple, non-expensive assay easily applicable in private practice is available, rapid measurement of BNP might also be very helpful in establishing or excluding the diagnosis of heart failure in patients presenting with acute dyspnea in private practice.