BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)

The BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) analysis is an advanced blood laboratory test used to assess heart condition. This test is often used for the diagnosis and monitoring of heart failure – a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

What is BNP?

BNP is a protein produced in the heart and bloodstream. When the heart is under stress, as is the case with heart failure, the level of BNP in the blood increases. By measuring BNP levels, experts at IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade can gain insight into how well the heart is performing its function.

Who is recommended for BNP analysis?

BNP serves as support in the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy for congestive heart failure. Therefore, BNP testing is recommended for individuals showing symptoms of congestive heart failure or those who have already been diagnosed with this disease, for the purpose of monitoring its progression.

It is recommended to use either NT-proBNP or BNP test for monitoring disease progression, but not both simultaneously.

Interpretation of results

Decreased BNP values may indicate the absence of congestive heart failure in a patient. However, it should be noted that medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics can lead to lower BNP levels.

In cases of acute congestive heart failure (within the first hour) or in patients with blood flow obstruction in the heart chambers (such as hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, heart valve stenosis, atrial myxoma), it has been noted that BNP may not necessarily be elevated.

Patients who have been exposed to animal-derived antigens, either from the external environment or during medical procedures like imaging with contrast agents, can develop antibodies that may interfere with BNP testing. This interference can lead to unreliable results.

On the other hand, if BNP levels are elevated, it indicates that the patient is suffering from some form of heart failure.