What is B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)?
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone made by your heart. N-terminal (NT)-prohormone BNP (NT-proBNP) is a nonactive prohormone that is released from the same molecule that produces BNP.
What is a BNP blood test?
A BNP blood test measures the amount of BNP or NT-proBNP (depending on the lab equipment used) in your blood. If your level is high, it means your heart is working harder than normal to pump blood. A BNP test is one way to find out:
- If you have heart failure.
- If symptoms like fatigue and feeling short of breath are because of heart failure.
- If your heart failure is stable.
- If your heart failure is worse.
The results of BNP and NT-proBNP tests are not expressed in the same way. Cleveland Clinic uses NT- proBNP testing to monitor patients with heart failure. You do not need to fast or follow special instructions before the test.
What do the test results mean?
A normal level of NT-proBNP, based on Cleveland Clinic’s Reference Range, is:
- Adults 74 and younger: Less than 125 pg/mL.
- Adults 75 - 99: Less than 450 pg/mL.
If you have heart failure, the following NT-proBNP levels could mean your heart function is unstable:
- Adults 49 and younger: Higher than 450 pg/mL.
- Adults 50 and older: Higher than 900 pg/mL.
Depending on your health history, your normal range may be different. Your healthcare provider can give you more information. The test results will be used to help create or adjust your plan of care.
