N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a protein that the heart makes, especially the left ventricle. Some laboratories offer a similar test called aminoterminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, or NT-proBNP. Both tests give similar information, though their normal ranges are different.
Why it matters: A BNP or NT-proBNP test helps diagnose heart failure. A provider may do one when there are symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath and fatigue, to check the severity of heart failure when it is already known, to see whether a treatment plan is working, and to check heart health where there is an increased risk of heart failure. Higher-than-normal levels can be a sign that the heart is not pumping enough blood, and in general the higher the level, the more serious heart failure may be. A provider will need to do other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions
May increase with:
What is N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide?
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a protein that the heart makes, especially the left ventricle. Some laboratories offer a similar test called aminoterminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, or NT-proBNP. Both tests give similar information, though their normal ranges are different.
What might a high or low N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide mean?
A BNP or NT-proBNP test helps diagnose heart failure. A provider may do one when there are symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath and fatigue, to check the severity of heart failure when it is already known, to see whether a treatment plan is working, and to check heart health where there is an increased risk of heart failure. Higher-than-normal levels can be a sign that the heart is not pumping enough blood, and in general the higher the level, the more serious heart failure may be. A provider will need to do other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
What can affect N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide?
It may be higher with: Chronic kidney disease, Other types of heart disease, Certain lung conditions, such as a blood clot in the lung or high blood pressure in the lungs.
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