It is also important to note that some tests can result in falsely low levels, which might indicate normal values of BNP when a person, in fact, does have heart failure. These include :. Ultimately, many factors can affect BNP levels. They will also consider their overall health and whether or not they have any symptoms. Doctors typically use the BNP test as an indicator of whether a person is experiencing heart failure. If the test shows low or normal levels of BNP, they may rule out the possibility of this condition.
Examples of these tests include:. A person can learn how to lower their BNP levels, which they can achieve through various lifestyle changes, including :. The BNP is one of a family of blood tests that measure levels of brain natriuretic peptide in the blood. It is one of several tests that doctors may use to help diagnose heart failure.
People should speak with a healthcare professional if they have questions or concerns about their BNP test results. Several situations and medical conditions can cause abnormal EKG results, including electrolyte imbalances and irregular heart rhythms. Learn more in…. ANP is produced by the muscle cells in the upper pumping chambers of the heart the atria ; BNP is produced in the larger and more powerful lower chambers the ventricles ; CNP is produced mainly in blood vessels; and DNP is found in the blood plasma but probably originates in the heart itself.
These natriuretic peptides have an important role in regulating the circulation. Both act on blood vessels, causing them to dilate, or widen. They also work on the kidneys, causing them to excrete more salt and water. In addition, the natriuretic peptides reduce the production of various hormones that narrow blood vessels, boost the heart rate, or affect fluid retention; examples include adrenaline, angiotensin, and aldosterone. The net effect of natriuretic peptides is to promote urine excretion, relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduce the heart's workload.
They are part of the body's natural defense mechanisms designed to protect the heart from stress. And they surge into action when they are needed most, when the heart itself is under siege. It sounds like alphabet soup, but it's actually modern cardiology at its best. Congestive heart failure results when the heart muscle is weakened. The most common causes are coronary artery disease and hypertension.
In other cases, heart valve disease is to blame. Less often, various heart muscle diseases cardiomyopathies are responsible; in men, their chief causes include viral infections, alcohol abuse, excessively high iron levels, and certain genetic disorders. The heart's job is to collect blood from the veins, then pump it through the arteries to all the body's tissues. In CHF, the weakened pump is not up to the task; the tissues don't get all the oxygen-rich blood they need, and blood backs up in the lungs and then the veins.
The lack of sufficient tissue oxygen makes people with congestive heart failure feel weak and tired. Muscle function suffers, making it hard to get around. Kidney function is also impaired, sometimes permanently, adding to the fatigue and complicating treatment. Deprived of its full complement of blood, the brain can slow down along with the rest of the body, producing lethargy, confusion, and even grogginess.
The backup of blood produces even more symptoms; it's what puts the congestion in congestive heart failure. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
Is there anything else I need to know about a natriuretic peptide test? Your health care provider may order one or more of the following tests in addition to or after you've had a BNP or NT-proBNP test: Electrocardiogram , which looks at heart's electrical activity Stress test , which shows how well your heart handles physical activity Chest x-ray to see if your heart is larger than normal or if you have fluid in your lungs You may also get one or more of the following blood tests: ANP test.
ANP stands for atrial natriuretic peptide. Metabolic panel to check for kidney disease, which has similar symptoms to heart failure Complete blood count to check for anemia or other blood disorders. References American Heart Association [Internet]. Diagnosing Heart Failure; [cited Jul 24]; [about 3 screens]. Most people feel only a prick or a stinging sensation. Afterward there may be some throbbing or bruising. You may need this test if you have signs of heart failure.
Symptoms include shortness of breath and swelling of your legs or abdomen. The test helps make sure the problems are due to your heart and not your lungs, kidneys, or liver. It is unclear if repeated BNP tests are helpful in guiding treatment in those already diagnosed with heart failure. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
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