BNP

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding BNP

What is BNP?

Natriuretic peptide test (NT-Pro BNP) is to measure the amount of BNP (B -Type Natriuretic peptide) and NT-Pro BNP (N-Terminal) in the blood. These molecules are released into the blood stream in response to the stress encountered by heart. Elevated level of these molecules is an indicator of excessive pressure on heart, heart faliure or other acute heart conditions. This test is recommended generally after a heart attack or a patient undergoing any heart disease treatment. The normal value of NT-Pro-BNP is below 100pg/mL . Any value higher than that is considered fatal. Immediate medical invention is mandatory in case of abnormal test values.

What is BNP used for?

The B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Test is performed:

· To help in the detection, diagnosis, and evaluation of the severity of congestive heart failure (CHF)

Interpreting BNP results

Interpretations

Normal range (Approx.): Below 29.40 pg/mL

Higher than normal levels of BNP indicates heart conditions including CHF. Levels are directly proportional to the severity of the condition.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about BNP

Frequently Asked Questions about BNP

Q. What are the common symptoms of heart failure?

Heart failure can be indicated by symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, feeling tired, and swelling (edema) in the feet, ankles, legs, and abdomen.

Q. What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure is a progressive condition (increase in intensity with time). In this, the heart muscles are unable to efficiently pump blood in sufficient quantities required for the rest of the body. Congestive heart failure can be caused by a number of factors such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and coronary artery diseases, where cholesterol deposition occurs on the inner wall of the blood vessels, causing a blockage in blood supply. It is observed that there are certain conditions which affect the heart valves and make them ineffective, which as a result lead to congestive heart failure. It should be noted that congestive heart failure can also be seen in conditions which are not directly related to the heart such as diabetes, obesity, severe infections, etc.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. Is there any preparation required before the BNP test?

Inform the doctor about any medications you may be taking. No other preparations are required unless specified by your doctor.

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the results of BNP Test are not normal?

The doctor may suggest other tests if the result of BNP Test comes above or below the normal range. These tests include ANP test, lipid profile test, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram.

Q. In what conditions can levels of BNP increase?

The levels of BNP can increase in conditions such as Heart failure, asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, arterial and pulmonary hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, valvular heart disease, arrhythmia, and acute coronary syndrome. Along with that, conditions like acute and chronic renal failure, liver cirrhosis, hyperaldosteronism, and Cushing’s syndrome can show increased levels of BNP.

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