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The BNP test measures levels of B-type natriuretic peptide in the blood, which increases as heart failure worsens. It is a minimally invasive and cost-effective diagnostic test, but other factors such as drug therapies, age, and kidney disease can cause elevated levels. A positive test result requires further follow-up and diagnostic testing.
A BNP test is a blood test that checks levels of a chemical associated with heart failure. In individuals with healthy hearts, blood B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is usually low. Levels begin to rise as the heart begins to fail, and the higher the levels, the more severe the heart failure. This diagnostic screening test may be ordered in an emergency room as part of an examination on an incoming patient, and may also be recommended by a doctor who is concerned that a patient may go into heart failure.
B-type natriuretic peptide, also known as brain natriuretic peptide, is produced in the ventricles of the heart. The harder the heart has to work, the more BNP the ventricles produce. As heart failure progresses, the heart works harder and harder to circulate blood effectively, leading to an increase in this compound. Because it circulates through the blood, a simple blood draw can be used for a BNP test, making it a minimally invasive diagnostic test and also a very cost-effective one.
Some things can cause BNP to rise when a patient is not in heart failure. These include certain drug therapies, age and kidney disease. These factors must be considered when evaluating the results to determine how to move forward. An important function of the BNP test is to rule out certain possible diagnoses, such as lung disease, for a patient’s symptoms. If the test is positive and a doctor thinks heart failure is a likely diagnosis, a screening, such as echocardiography, can be used to find out what is happening inside the patient.
A small blood sample will be needed for the test. Additional vials may be taken to provide a complete workup, depending on what your doctor has ordered. The test doesn’t take long, with results usually available very quickly in a hospital or clinic that has a full laboratory. For non-emergencies, a doctor may ask a patient to fast before taking the BNP test for more meaningful results, as appropriate.
It is important to remember that having an elevated BNP does not automatically mean heart failure. Levels may be elevated for other reasons or the test may have failed. High levels imply the need for more follow-up and further diagnostic testing. Patients can discuss the BNP test results with their doctors to determine what would be the appropriate action to take in their case.
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