



Breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath.When a BNP Test Will Be Ordered?Ī doctor chooses to order a BNP or NT-proBNP test in case a patient experiences symptoms that match symptoms of heart failure, including: It plays a big role in predicting the mortality of cerebrovascular accident.Natriuretic peptides are strong indicators of mortality in people suffering from acute chest pain.BNP assessment helps recognize patients who bear a risk of developing arrhythmia and stroke.In fact, increased levels of it have been known to predict possible death and cardiovascular diseases in people without heart failure. Causes of elevated BNP don't have to be related to a heart failure.The last BNP measurement before the hospital discharge was the most trustworthy factor of foreseeing the outcome.Patients who died in the hospital, or were readmitted within a month of their release, had no to minimal decrease of BNP levels, or even had increased BNP levels.Good outcomes came for patients whose BNP levels were decreasing during their time at the hospital.Another preliminary study has proven that the home finger prick BNP test can help determine the severity of a heart failure, and the potential risk of acquiring it.Ī study revealed that the levels of BNP were in high correlation with these outcomes:.A few preliminary studies have proven that different concentrations of BNP can help distinguish heart decompensation from pulmonary disease.BNP testing aids the triage of patients showing the symptoms of heart failure, as well as the screening of patients who are at a high risk of developing heart failure.However, if the BNP levels has intermediate values, an additional examination is necessary. Low amount of this hormone rules out heart failure as a possible condition, while the extremely high amount of it confirms the possibility of a heart failure.BNP values are compatible with the Goldman Specific Activity Scale of Heart Failure, along with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification of Heart Failure.BNP assay indicates the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, thus minimizing the number of people needing an echocardiogram.It helps determine whether a patient is in need of echocardiogram, and helps to decide whether changes in therapy are needed for patients who are already subjected to heart failure treatments. Heart FailureīNP testing helps a lot when it comes to diagnosing heart failure. Now we know the causes of elevated BNP, so what can a BNP test be used for? 1. Water and sodium retention caused by kidney dysfunction.Water and sodium retention caused by medications (Avandia®, Actos®, etc.).Overactivity of the thyroid gland - hyperthyroidism.COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) followed with respiratory failure and cor pulmonale.Obstruction of blood vessels in the lungs - pulmonary embolism.Primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension.Heart valve disease (mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis).Acute coronary syndrome - a term referring to a couple of heart conditions such as myocardial infarction and angina pectoris.High blood pressure accompanied with hypertrophy of the left ventricle.Normally, a low amount of this hormone is always present in our blood however, an elevated BNP is far from normal. Its levels are known to be the indicator of the state of the cardiovascular system, and are of big assistance when diagnosing the severity of a heart failure and conditions such as diastolic dysfunction. It is secreted due to abnormal stretching of the heart muscle. BNP, or brain natriuretic peptide, is a heart produced hormone found in blood.
