BNP
Description
"Brain Natriuretic Peptide" (BNP) test evaluates levels of BNP or NT-proBNP, hormones released by the heart under stress, to assess heart function. It’s typically ordered for individuals experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling. Elevated levels may indicate heart failure, fluid overload, or pulmonary strain. Doctors use the results to determine if symptoms are heart-related and guide next steps like medications or further testing. Ongoing BNP testing supports early detection and management of heart-related respiratory symptoms.
Category
Hormones
Brain Natriuretic Peptide
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Picograms Per Milliliter | Nanograms Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Complete Cardiovascular Group, Basic Pulmonary Function Group
Test Group Description
Basic Pulmonary Function Group: Essential tests for assessing respiratory health and function, providing foundational insights into lung capacity and airway function. Complete Cardiovascular Group: This group contains comprehensive tests for an extensive evaluation of cardiovascular health, providing thorough insights into heart-related conditions beyond basic assessments. Complete Pulmonary Function Group: Comprehensive evaluations of respiratory function offer detailed insights into lung function, airway inflammation, and structural abnormalities, facilitating the precise diagnosis and management of pulmonary conditions. Proteins Group: This group comprises tests assessing various aspects of protein levels and function, providing valuable insights into overall protein status and associated health considerations.
Key Reasons For Testing
Diagnosis of Heart Failure: Identifies heart failure as a cause of breathing difficulties, distinguishing it from non-cardiac causes.
Monitoring Heart Failure Treatment: Tracks BNP levels to evaluate treatment effectiveness and adjust plans if necessary.
Evaluation of Dyspnea: Determines whether shortness of breath is due to heart failure or another condition like lung disease.
Prognostic Indicator: Indicates the severity of heart failure and predicts potential complications.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (progressive lung disease)
Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the coronary arteries)
Heart failure (inability of the heart to pump blood effectively)
Kidney dialysis (procedure to filter waste from blood when kidneys are unable to do so)...
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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