Blood test high BNP results?

[Janelr]

I’ve had a right carry on with trying to get more frusemide for my swollen feet and ankles. I emailed my arrhythmia nurse who said take extra 40mg (I’m on 80mg) but first you need blood test check everything ok and you need to go to GP any problems they can refer you to us. (I’ve never been discharged from AF clinic). So waited for appointments finally got results GP said everything is spot on except your BNP levels are 450 which is high she explained it shows my heart is swollen , and said you’ll need a heartscan check everything’s ok , and said I’m not sure if it’s the AF causes high BNP.

So now I’m worried all I wanted was a extra frusemide or a complete change of water tablets but she wouldn’t allow it said frusemide is the best.

Does anyone know if High BNP levels are because of AF? I’ve googled but it doesn’t seem to confirm and the fact I’d never heard of BNP.

[rosyG]

Hi

bNP helps diagnose heart problems. 450 is high but depends on your age whether this indicates serious heart problems. Do Google and you’ll see that, at my age for example, 900 would be when they think serious. If you’re young it would be lower. It’s important to be investigated properly as just increasing your dirurectic will just hide symptoms

[Janelr in reply to rosyG]

Thankyou I’m 50 middle of the road I guess 😃

[rosyG in reply to Janelr]

yes- let them investigate and then they'll increase dirurectic and /or put you on different medication- ou didn't say why you are taking them at present?

[Janelr in reply to rosyG]

Swollen feet legs and ankles but they have started swelling again since I had covid 3 month ago

[rosyG in reply to Janelr]

Ok so you haven’t really been assessed and the swelling may well be heart related so they are right to say you need assessing first- you’ll need an echocardiogram and other tests I think. Just press them to get on with it!!

[Bagrat]

My OH had a BNP that was raised. He has a dicky aortic valve and permanent AF.Due to an error it was wrongly reported from his annual echo that valve situation had deteriorated so with that and BNP raised referred to cardiologist. I asked about BNP ( for hol insurance way back then, did we need to add heart failure) and he said he wished GPs wouldn't do them with AF patients without considering AF can cause it to be raised. Sorry I do ramble!!

[Janelr in reply to Bagrat]

Thankyou I thought it might be down to my af it was 3 weeks ago I spoke to GP I’m still waiting so I’m assuming hospital don’t think it’s urgent.In mean time I have unbearable swollen feet struggle to get even wide shoes and even next size up on , all this just to take a extra water tablet lol.

[Bagrat in reply to Janelr]

I would ring and agitate so you know what you're up against. The waiting times here are extremely long especially for echos and stress echos.As you are so symptomatic I would also approach GP again to ask what can be done while you wait. Good luck