What it means
The heart makes these hormones when its chambers are stretched by too much volume or pressure. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) comes mainly from the atria, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) mainly from the ventricles. They lower blood volume and blood pressure. Blood tests for BNP or NT-proBNP help find and follow heart failure.
At a glance
| Also written | natriuretic peptides |
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Related terms
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
B-type natriuretic peptide
A hormone released by the heart's lower chambers when they are stretched, measured with a blood test.
natriuretic
Making the kidneys remove more sodium in the urine.