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BNP and NT-proBNP
Also known as: b-type natriuretic peptide, proBNP Formal name: Brain natriuretic peptide, N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide Related tests: Cardiac Biomarkers
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The Test
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How is it used?When is it ordered?What does the test result mean?Is there anything else I should know?
Either BNP or NT-proBNP may be ordered to help diagnose heart failure and to grade the severity of that heart failure. There are various causes of heart failure. Currently, the condition is diagnosed by symptoms such as swelling in the legs (edema), difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, in addition to chest X-rays and an ultrasound test called echocardiography. Despite this information, heart failure is still often confused with other conditions. BNP and NT-proBNP levels can help doctors differentiate between heart failure and other problems, such as lung disease. An accurate diagnosis is important because heart failure can be successfully managed with various medical treatments.
Another reason for using BNP and NT-proBNP is to evaluate risk in persons who present with chest pain. It has been found that high BNP predicts an increased risk of death or subsequent heart attack in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
A BNP or NT-proBNP test may be ordered under these circumstances:
- In your doctor's office, if you have symptoms that could be due to heart failure.
- In the emergency room, if you are in crisis and doctors need to quickly determine whether you are suffering from heart failure or some other medical problem.
- To monitor the effects of therapy for heart failure.
What does the test result mean?NOTE: A standard reference range is not available for this test. Because
reference values are
dependent on many factors, including patient age, gender, sample population, and test
method, numeric test results have different meanings in different labs. Your lab report
should include the specific reference range for your test. Lab Tests Online strongly
recommends that you discuss your test results with your doctor. For more information on
reference ranges, please read Reference Ranges
and What They Mean.
Higher-than-normal results suggest that a person is in heart failure, and the level of BNP or NT-proBNP in the blood is related to the amount or severity of heart failure. Higher levels of BNP or NT-proBNP also may be associated with a worse outlook for the patient.
Is there anything else I should know?
BNP and NT-proBNP levels decrease in most patients who have been taking drug therapies for heart failure, such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretics. Levels of both BNP and NT-proBNP tend to increase with age. Levels of NT-proBNP and BNP are increased in persons with kidney disease.
While both BNP and NT-proBNP will rise with left ventricle dysfunction and either can be measured, they are not interchangeable and the results cannot be directly compared. |
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This article was last reviewed on
September 2, 2005.
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