What does the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide - NT-proBNP blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
NT-proBNP is a hormone released by the heart in response to stress or strain. It's used to diagnose and monitor heart failure, as well as assess the risk of cardiovascular events. Elevated levels can indicate heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, or other cardiac conditions. The test is particularly useful in differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac causes of shortness of breath. NT-proBNP levels also help in determining the severity of heart failure and can guide treatment decisions. Regular monitoring of NT-proBNP can assist in tracking the progression of heart disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
A low NT-proBNP reading (below the range_lower) is generally not a cause for concern. In fact, lower levels of NT-proBNP are typically associated with better heart health. However, in some rare cases, extremely low levels might indicate conditions such as obesity or certain genetic variations. It’s important to note that NT-proBNP is primarily used to detect elevated levels, and low levels are not typically used for diagnostic purposes.
A high NT-proBNP reading (above the range_higher) suggests increased cardiac stress and is often associated with heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions. Elevated levels can indicate:
Higher levels generally correlate with more severe cardiac dysfunction. However, NT-proBNP can also be elevated in non-cardiac conditions like renal failure, sepsis, or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests.