BNP Blood Test

[Prada47]

Hello been reading that this test is given in relation to Heart Failure, just wondering if this is an early Diagnosis Test or is used throughout the progression of Heart Failure ??

Reason for the question is I have a reasonable EF of 39 % but never had a BNP blood test !!!

Regards

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Prada47,

The NT-proBNP blood test measures brain natriuretic peptide to detect heart function.

It's raised when the heart has to work harder, due the heart muscle being weakened.

It's usually done if your doctor suspects you may have heart function problems.

It's usually done before an echocardiogram.

Perhaps ask your GP or Cardiologist whether you need to have this blood test done?

I have a NT-proBNP blood test taken every few years to check that my frequent angina isn't damaging my heart muscle.

Last done on Monday and all good😊

[Prada47 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for the reply I was just wondering because my EF has dropped from 44 % to 39 % and I then wondered would it be detectable by a BNP blood test, as opposed to having an Echocardiogram.

Regards

[NLGA in reply to Milkfairy]

mine is up at 484 yet I haven’t had a echo since June/July which seemed fine just concerned at my bNP level

[NLGA in reply to Milkfairy]

could AF increase BNP ?

[Jacey15]

Hi. BNP is a good rule out test for heart failure i.e. if it's low, you don't have heart failure. If it's raised it means further investigations are required to see if you have heart failure. It can be raised for other reasons too.

[Prada47 in reply to Jacey15]

Thanks for your reply Jacey.

I have a face to face with Cardiologist next Thursday to discuss a recent Stress MRI. I do have what my Cardiologist refers to as a Complex Cardio Anatomy.

I have had Bypass surgery and a couple of Stents just my EF has dropped 5% whilst on max meds, and the Cardiologist said that's not supposed to be the case lol

Regards

[NLGA in reply to Jacey15]

Hi Jacey. mine is a bit high 180 yet my doctor didn’t feel it was HF but thing’s I read point me to conclude it is

[Jacey15 in reply to NLGA]

Hi. I'm fairly certain that results of that level are normal from the lab that does my bloods

[NLGA in reply to Jacey15]

Really that’s encouraging I have been a bit concerned of late

[NLGA in reply to Jacey15]

would AF raise it ?

[Jacey15 in reply to NLGA]

Left ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular overload, ischaemia, tachycardia, hypoxaemia, PE, sepsis, COPD, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, age >70 and eGFR <60 ml/min can all increase NT-proBNP

[NLGA in reply to Jacey15]

I have only been told I have AF so could that be the tachycardia

[Lezzers in reply to NLGA]

My understanding is AF is not tachycardia, but it can lead to tachycardia. Tachycardia is basically a fast heart beat in excess of 100 bpm, it's very common & is not considered dangerous, it only becomes an issue if it doesn't resolve itself. This link explains AF. Have you thought more about contacting your cardiologist?

nhs.uk/conditions/atrial-fi....

[NLGA in reply to Lezzers]

yes I emailed the nurse unfortunately she is off to the 20tb and I want to wait as that one has been a help to me before