Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test

Beta-Natriuretic Peptide, BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) Test

Results

A brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test measures the amount of the BNP hormone in the blood. Normal values of BNP vary widely among labs and depend on the method used for measurement. BNP values tend to increase with age and are higher in women than men.

Brain natriuretic peptide

Normal	0–99 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or 0–99 nanograms per liter (ng/L)	No heart failure is present.
Abnormal	100 pg/mL or more or 100 ng/L or more	Heart failure may be present.

The amount of a related substance, called N-terminal pro brain-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), may be measured instead of BNP. The results from the NT-proBNP test are different than those from the BNP test but provide similar information. In some cases this test can diagnose heart failure in a person who does not have obvious heart failure symptoms.

High values

A high value of BNP in the blood:

• Means an increased amount of fluid or high pressure inside the heart.
• May be used to help determine the severity of heart failure.
• May mean a higher chance of death in people with heart failure.
• May show early heart failure in people on kidney dialysis.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: May 21, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
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