The Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test

A brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test measures the quantity of the BNP hormone in your blood. BNP is made by your heart and shows how well your heart is performing. Usually, only a small amount of BNP is found in your blood, but if your heart has to work harder than usual over a long period of time, such as from heart failure, the heart releases more BNP, increasing the amount of BNP in the blood. The BNP level may drop, however, when treatment for heart failure is working.

The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test is used to:

  • Check for heart failure. A doctor may think you have heart failure if you are having problems such as difficulty breathing and swelling (edema) in the arms or legs.
  • Find out how severe heart failure is.
  • Check the response to treatment for heart failure.

A high value of BNP in the blood:

  • Means an increased amount of fluid or high pressure inside the heart.
  • May be used to help determine the severity of heart failure.
  • May mean a higher chance of death in people with heart failure.
  • May show early heart failure in people on kidney dialysis.

If you’re worried you may have heart complications, consult the specialists at PrimeMedical today!

PrimeMedical continues to accept new patients, most insurances and Medicare. Call our office today to schedule your comprehensive heart exam at 310.548.0201!

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