Heart Disease Health Center

Results

A brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test measures the amount of the BNP hormone in the blood. BNP values tend to increase with age and are higher in women than men.

The normal values listed here-called a reference range-are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what?s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

The amount of a related substance, called N-terminal pro brain-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), may be measured instead of BNP. The results from the NT-proBNP test are different than those from the BNP test but provide similar information.

High values

A high value of BNP in the blood:

• Means an increased amount of fluid or high pressure inside the heart.
• May be used to help determine the severity of heart failure.
• May mean a higher chance of death in people with heart failure.
• May show early heart failure in people on kidney dialysis.

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Having lung disease, such as emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Having kidney disease, kidney dialysis, or a heart attack.
• Age. BNP values normally increase with age but will stay within a normal range unless heart failure is present.

What To Think About

• The BNP level may get lower if treatment for heart failure is working. But the BNP level may stay above the normal BNP level even when a heart failure treatment is working well. Your doctor will use your physical exam and other tests, along with your BNP level, to make sure your treatment is working.
• Other tests may help predict your risk for heart problems, especially if they are combined with total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol tests.