The first GLUTAMICS-trial permitted a blinded prospective evaluation of NT-proBNP by a clinical end-points committee relying on strict prespecified criteria with regard to postoperative heart failure. Data to be published demonstrate that postoperative NT-proBNP (day 1 and day 3) levels were strong predictors for severe heart failure associated with extended ICU stay or death. This implies that postoperative NT-proBNP could serve as a measure to assess efficacy of treatment and preventive strategies for postoperative heart failure. Albeit, a surrogate marker for postoperative heart failure it provides the advantage of a standardized and objective analysis, which makes the study reproducible.