Doctor explains Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP or NT-proBNP) blood test to detect Heart Failure

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BNP, or B-type Natriuretic Peptide, is a peptide blood test used to assess heart function. It measures the levels of BNP or its precursor pro-BNP in the blood, which are released when the heart experiences stress or strain. This test helps diagnose conditions like heart failure by indicating how well the heart pumps blood.

BNP, or B-type natriuretic peptide, is a hormone measured through blood tests to assess its concentration. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood volume and is primarily produced by the heart's left ventricle. Elevated levels of BNP occur when the left ventricle stretches due to increased workload, often indicating conditions like heart failure where the heart struggles to pump effectively.

BNP levels in the blood are primarily checked to diagnose heart failure, which can be chronic or acute. Symptoms like difficulty breathing, fatigue, and leg swelling often indicate heart failure but may overlap with other conditions such as lung disease. BNP testing helps differentiate between these issues when symptoms alone do not provide a clear diagnosis.

A normal BNP result suggests the absence of heart failure, with symptoms likely caused by another condition. Elevated levels indicate a higher likelihood of heart failure but require further testing for confirmation. As heart failure progresses or stabilizes, BNP concentrations respectively increase or decrease. The UK's NICE guidelines recommend urgent specialist assessment within two weeks if levels exceed 2,000 ng/L; referral within six weeks for levels between 400-2,000 ng/L; and less urgency below 400 ng/L as it makes heart failure diagnosis unlikely.

BNP levels can be influenced by medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretics, which may lower concentrations. Patients should inform healthcare professionals about these drugs to ensure accurate test interpretation without discontinuing them abruptly. Elevated BNP levels are also observed in individuals with chronic kidney disease.