Discover how a BNP (B-Natriuretic Peptide) test helps detect heart failure early. Learn the symptoms, causes, and why yearly testing is important for your heart health.

What is a BNP Test?

A BNP test measures the level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a protein produced by your heart and blood vessels. Elevated BNP levels often indicate heart failure.

This blood test is extremely helpful for diagnosing congestive heart failure. A normal BNP level is about 98% accurate in ruling out heart failure, allowing doctors to investigate other causes of shortness of breath or fluid retention

Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can’t pump enough blood to make your body work well. It develops over time as your heart becomes too weak or stiff to fill and pump efficiently because of certain medical conditions. When heart failure occurs in both sides of the heart it is called congestive heart failure. This condition require immediate medical attention.

The following are signs and symptoms:

• Shortness of breath when you exert yourself or lie down
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in legs, ankles and feet
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
• Increased need to urinate at night
• Swelling of your abdomen
• Very rapid weight gain from fluid retention
• Lack of appetite and nausea
• Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
• Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink, foamy mucus
• Chest pain if your heart failure is caused by a heart attack

Conditions That Can Cause Heart Failure

The following are some conditions that damage your heart muscle and can result in heart failure:

• Ischemic heart disease – occurs when a waxy substance called plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. Plaque not only narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow, but also makes it more possible for blood clots to take shape in your artery. 
• Diabetes – if you have diabetes, it means your blood glucose (sugar) level is much higher than it should be. It can damage and weaken the heart muscle and the blood vessels around the heart, causing heart failure eventually.
• High blood pressure – similar to high blood glucose level, high blood pressure is also harmful to your heart.
• Other conditions or diseases – other heart conditions or diseases may also cause heart failure, such as Arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects and heart valve disease.
• Alcohol abuse or cocaine and other illegal drug use.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Thyroid disorders (having either too much or too little thyroid hormone in the body).
• Too much vitamin E.
• Treatments for cancer, such as radiation and chemotherapy.

Why Get a BNP Test?

Everyone should get tested at least once a year. Early detection makes it easier to manage heart issues and improve outcomes. A BNP test, administered by a trained health professional, identifies weaknesses in your heart function and allows you to develop a science-based plan for better health.

Yearly testing is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, helping you catch problems before they become serious.

Take Control of Your Heart Health

Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Schedule your BNP test today and stay ahead of potential heart issues. Early detection is key to maintaining a strong, healthy heart.