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Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test - Results
About this test
A brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test measures the amount of the BNP hormone in the blood. BNP values tend to increase with age and are higher in women than men.
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
Normal | 0–99 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or 0–99 nanograms per liter (ng/L) |
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.
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.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 25, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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