B Type Natriuretic Peptide Test

BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) test is a simple blood test that enables doctors to diagnose complex cardiac problems. BNP is a protein hormone which is produced at the ventricles or the lower chambers of the heart. BNP along with ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) causes blood vessels to dilate. They curb the hormones which narrow blood vessels, boost heart rate and consequently reduce the heart’s workload. Measurement of the amount of BNP helps doctors to diagnose primarily heart failure and also recent heart attacks and kidney failures too. Symptoms such shortness of breath, excessive wheezing or coughing, unexplained pain in the chest, edema (excess fluid accumulation in legs and ankles) and swelling of the abdomen in the chest warrant a BNP test.

This test is most often administered in the emergency room of a hospital as it predicts the possibility of a heart failure, heart attack or kidney failure. So there is no prior preparation required for the administration of the test.

The normal level of BNP is 0.5- 30 pg/mL (picograms/ millilitre). Higher levels (greater than 400 pg/mL) indicate a high possibility of Congestive Heart Failure that occurs due to the incompetent pumping of blood by the ventricles, consequently causing retention of blood in lungs and abdomen. The level of BNP increases rapidly on the occurrence of a heart failure.

• High values of BNP (greater than 100 pg/mL) can also be due to: Water or salt retention due to a kidney failure
• Recent heart attack
• Asthma Attack
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea ( interruption of breathing during sleep)
• Lung complications and infections
• Pulmonary embolism (occurrence of a blood clot in the lungs)
• Pulmonary hypertension ( type of high blood pressure that affects lungs and heart).

This test is most often administered in the emergency room of a hospital as it predicts the possibility of a heart failure, heart attack or kidney failure. So there is no prior preparation required for the administration of the test.