This test measures the level of BNP in the blood, which can help diagnose heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, heart muscle thickening (left ventricular hypertrophy), heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), and issues after heart artery widening procedures (coronary angioplasty). High BNP levels can also indicate high blood pressure, lung blood pressure (pulmonary hypertension), lung injury, too much fluid in the body (hypervolemic states), chronic kidney failure, and liver cirrhosis. If BNP levels decrease, it may show that treatments for high blood pressure are working.
What patients is this test right for?
This test may be recommended for individuals showing symptoms of heart problems or those being treated for high blood pressure.