Pro BNP
The Pro BNP Test measures the level of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the blood. NT-proBNP is a fragment that is released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is stretched or under stress due to high pressure or volume overload.
This test is the single most important blood test for diagnosing, assessing the severity of, and monitoring Heart Failure (HF). High levels indicate the heart is struggling to pump effectively and is actively failing.
The Pro BNP test is a cornerstone of modern cardiac diagnostics. It is essential for:
- Diagnosing Heart Failure (HF): It provides rapid confirmation of heart failure as the cause of symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) or fatigue, helping distinguish HF from non-cardiac causes (like lung disease or obesity).
- Assessing Severity: The higher the NT-proBNP level, the more severe the heart failure, guiding the urgency of treatment.
- Monitoring Treatment: Levels should fall when heart failure treatment (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors) is effective. A rising level signals disease progression or poor compliance.
- Risk Stratification: High levels predict a higher risk of future cardiac events and mortality.
