CHF is caused by coronary heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects and valve diseases, chronic infection, and kidney disease. The number of patients who have these diseases is vast. NT-proBNP test enables the selection of patients who are at the highest risk of heart failure and asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction. A timely application of extra preventative measures against heart failure and coronary heart disease decreases the risk of new heart failure. The table shows the actions that the doctor is likely to take based on NT-proBNP test results:
Age of the patient NT-proBNP value Action NT-proBNP value Action   < 60 years < 60 ng/L Repeat the test in 3 years > 60 ng/L Echocardiogram