NT pro BNP of 2211 ng/L

[Rosie0202]

In 2019 had swollen ankles and was tested for heart failure. NT pro BNP test revealed level of 79 ng/L so no heart failure present.

Echo cardiogram in 2023 all ok but some fluid around the heart.

Echo cardiogram in 2024 shows left atrium moderately dilated. Right atrium moderate to severely dilated.

Otherwise other items on Echo acceptable. Ejection fraction >55%

Further blood test for heart failure Oct 24 shows NTproBNP of 2211 ng/L with a note saying that anything >2000 ng/L requires urgent cardiology referral.

My Cardiologist sent me the test result plus the Echocardiogram from October 2024 and a follow up appointment for May 2025 but no elobaration on results. I presume he isn't overly concerned at this result but I will be following up for a full explanation. In the meantime, I was wondering if anybody else has had such a high level and was it something other than cardio based that caused such a massive rise.

[PadThaiNoodles]

I had a leaky mitral valve that was monitored for 20 years. Every five years or so the cardiologist would order a BNP test which I was told would indicate if my left ventricle was growing to compensate for the leaky plumbing.

In between a couple of those my annual echo showed left ventricular hypertrophy. Since that was conclusive in itself, they didn't bother with another BNP test -- so I don't know what the result would have been.

Because my LVH was caused by leaky valves I had double-valve surgery at that point.

[Rosie0202 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

PadThaiNoodles

Thanks for your response. I too was diagnosed with LVH in 2011 but nothing of significance. The latest 2024 Echo just said the LV was normal size; LV normal in size; the longitudinal function is reduced. Systolic function normal. Which valves were leaking.

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Rosie0202]

In my case it was "LV remodelling with eccentric LVH likely as a consequence of progressive severe mitral valve regurgitation, with a contribution of mild to moderate aortic valve regurgitation."

Does your echo mention regurgitation for any of your valves? (A lot of people have mild regurgitation, which they don't usually do anything about on its own.)

There are other causes of LVH, so yours might not be related to valve issues.

[Lezzers]

Hi Rosie

The fact that cardiology are involved would indicate that the raised NT-proBNP is due to your heart rather than anything else, such as an infection etc. the echo results bear this out.

Whilst 2211 sounds a massive rise it's not when you consider it's taken 5 years to get to that level, the level could have been rising steadily over that time. My husband's level doubled within a couple of years but his cardiologist was ok with that. The NT-proBNP is really just used as a first line test/indication to determine if further investigation is required, which is why you've had the echo & presumably have been started on medication?

Please don't be alarmed at what seems a high level, it's really not as bad as it sounds. I know of people who've had levels in the high thousands (20-30000) but with the right medication, lifestyle, diet etc their levels have reduced massively and some are even running marathons!

[Rosie0202 in reply to Lezzers]

Hello Lezzers,

The report said that high concentrations of natriuretuc peptides can have other causes than heart failure (eg. LVH, COPD, renal dysfunction, diabetes. They said the cut off values for this test only relate to heart failure. So this is why I have raised the question; does anybody have high levels and a condition other than heart failure. Cheers Rosie.

[Lezzers in reply to Rosie0202]

Yes, a raised level can have other causes but the echo has already revealed there is a heart issue. Presumably blood tests would have been done to eliminate renal dysfunction, diabetes etc, these are basic blood tests that are usually carried out when you're under investigation.

There are diabetes, kidney, lung groups on HU that might be able to help you. Alternatively you could phone the BHF nurses and ask their advice, they are only available 9-5, Mon to Fri though.

Good luck, I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

[fishonabike]

There are several issues which can cause a rise in BNP levels, including liver, lung and kidney conditions- this is why other tests have been ordered - these give a fuller picture so that an accurate diagnosis more likely

[Rosie0202 in reply to fishonabike]

Hi fishonabike,

Thanks for your response. I haven't been sent for other tests following the BNP. The Echo cardiogram was meant to be put in place well before I had the BNP test. Cheers Rosie.

[Deejay62]

I have severe heart failure and mine as risen from 2000 over a few years to recently 2890.

[Rosie0202 in reply to Deejay62]

Thank you.

[am1875 in reply to Deejay62]

Hi Deejay. So it has risen as your ef has risen? All the best.

[Deejay62 in reply to am1875]

Yeah, then recently I started a trial drug it went down, then up again. I don’t know about my EF. I had that done two years ago and it was 23%. I am waiting for an urgent ablation.