N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide

CardiacHeart & VesselsBlood

NT-proBNP is a fragment released by the heart when the heart muscle is stretched, typically due to extra fluid in the circulation. The body produces more of it when the heart is working harder than usual to pump blood, and levels in the bloodstream rise quickly when this happens.

Why it matters: NT-proBNP is a common test in evaluating shortness of breath that could be related to fluid build-up around the heart. Higher values indicate the heart is under more pressure than typical; very low values are reassuring against heart-strain patterns.

Reference Range
0.0 – 125.0pg/mL
0
125LowNormalHigh
Symptoms of Low N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide
Typically without noticeable symptoms
Symptoms of High N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide
Shortness of breath, especially when lying flat
Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
Fatigue
Reduced exercise tolerance
Rapid weight gain from fluid retention
What Moves It

May increase with:

Heart failure
Hypertension
Myocardial infarction
Associated Conditions
Congestive heart failureHypertensive crisis
Related Markers
BNPTroponin
Common questions

What is N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide?

NT-proBNP is a fragment released by the heart when the heart muscle is stretched, typically due to extra fluid in the circulation. The body produces more of it when the heart is working harder than usual to pump blood, and levels in the bloodstream rise quickly when this happens.

What might a high or low N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide mean?

NT-proBNP is a common test in evaluating shortness of breath that could be related to fluid build-up around the heart. Higher values indicate the heart is under more pressure than typical; very low values are reassuring against heart-strain patterns.

What is the typical reference range for N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide?

The general-population reference range shown here is 0 – 125 pg/mL. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide?

It may be higher with: Heart failure, Hypertension, Myocardial infarction.

Track your N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide over time

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