BNP
Also written as: BNP — B-type natriuretic peptide
B-type natriuretic peptide, a hormone released by the heart in response to increased wall tension, used as a biomarker for heart failure.
Full Definition
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone secreted primarily by ventricular cardiomyocytes in response to increased ventricular wall tension and volume overload. BNP levels correlate with the severity of heart failure and are widely used for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring treatment response. Normal BNP levels help exclude heart failure with high negative predictive value, while elevated levels suggest cardiac dysfunction. The related NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-BNP) has similar clinical utility with different reference ranges. BNP testing is particularly valuable in the emergency department for differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes of dyspnea. Levels can be affected by age, gender, renal function, and body mass index.
Usage
Usage note: Reference ranges vary between laboratories and may differ from NT-proBNP values.
In Context
- "BNP level of 1,250 pg/mL supports the diagnosis of acute heart failure." — emergency department note
- "Serial BNP measurements were used to monitor response to diuretic therapy." — heart failure clinic note