A brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test measures the amount of the BNP hormone, Opens dialog in your blood. BNP is made by your heart and shows how well your heart is working. Normally, only a low 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, Opens dialog, the heart releases more BNP, increasing the blood level of BNP.
The BNP test is used to:
Check to see if you have heart failure. A doctor may think that you have heart failure if you are having problems such as trouble breathing or swelling in your legs.
Find out how severe heart failure is.
You do not need to do anything before you have this test.
Information about Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Normal BNP values are higher in women than in men. BNP values normally increase with age. But they may stay within a normal range unless you have heart failure.
Your doctor will discuss your results with you. A normal BNP level means that you probably don't have heart failure. A higher-than-normal BNP level means that you might have heart failure. A very high BNP level means that heart failure is much more likely.
Your doctor will also look at other tests and your physical exam to find out for sure if you have heart failure.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.