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 shows how well your heart is working. Normally, only a low amount of BNP is found in your blood. But 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 may drop when treatment for heart failure is working.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: May 21, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
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