Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test

Beta-Natriuretic Peptide, BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) Test

Test Overview

A brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test measures the amount of the BNP hormone in your blood. BNP is made by your heart and indicates how well your heart is working. Normally, only a low amount of BNP is found in your blood. However, if your heart has to work harder than usual over a long period of time, such as from heart failure, the heart releases more BNP, increasing the blood level of BNP. The BNP level will drop when treatment for heart failure is working.

	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated June 19, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.