Word parts
natri sodium-uretic passing in the urinepeptide a small protein
What it means
A hormone made mainly by the heart's ventricles. When the heart muscle is stretched by too much volume or pressure, it releases more BNP, which helps the kidneys pass sodium and water and relaxes blood vessels. The blood level helps show whether shortness of breath comes from heart failurehart FAYL-yerA long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.Full entry and is used to follow treatment. Levels also rise with age and kidney disease. A related test, NT-proBNP, has its own ranges.
For the nurse
No fasting is needed. Report a rising level together with weight gain, swelling or crackles in the lungs.
At a glance
| Normal range | Less than 100 pg/mL [less than 100 ng/L] |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | BNP |
| Also written | BNP, brain natriuretic peptide |
Related terms
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.