What is normal BNP?
A normal level of NT-proBNP, based on Cleveland Clinic’s Reference Range is: Less than 125 pg/mL for patients aged 0-74 years. Less than 450 pg/mL for patients aged 75-99 years.
What BNP tells us?
BNP stands for brain or B-type natriuretic peptide. It’s made inside the pumping chambers of your heart when pressure builds up from heart failure. The test is an important tool for healthcare providers to diagnose heart failure quickly. Heart failure happens when your heart is not pumping blood well.
How do I get my BNP levels down?
reducing use of NSAIDs for pain. managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. medications for heart failure, such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers. diuretics to help pass more fluid out of your body.
What causes high BNP levels?
Common reasons for increased BNP levels include: high blood pressure lung infections, such as pneumonia asthma attacks medications that cause water or sodium retention (such as Actos ® and Avandia ®, which are commonly prescribed for pre-diabetes and diabetes)
What is cause elevated BNP level?
However, any factors that can increase the pressure in the heart or stretch the atria chambers of the heart, such as blood clots in the lungs ( pulmonary embolism ), can cause elevated BNP levels. Some signs that a person may be experiencing heart failure include:
What are BNP levels and how do they affect the heart?
This affects pressure and fluid levels in your heart and throughout your body. When this happens, your heart cells produce extra BNP to help maintain the balance of fluids in your body cells and regulate your blood pressure. What is it used for? A BNP test detects a rise in BNP, which indicates heart failure.
What do elevated BNP levels mean?
Elevated levels of BNP often indicate the heart is working harder than normal such as when a person is suffering from heart failure. This test can be ordered when someone is experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the arms and legs which may be due to heart failure.