The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
Also known as: Cardio IQ ProBNP, N-terminal, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, ProBNP Nterminal Cardio IQ
The Cardio IQ™ ProBNP, N-terminal test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.
Brief Description: The proBNP N-Terminal test measures levels of B-Type Natriuretic peptide in your blood plasma to detect heart failure.
Also Known As: Brain Natriuretic Peptide Test, proBNP test,
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Serum
Test Preparation: No preparation required.
When is an N-Terminal proBNP test ordered?
When a person exhibits signs and symptoms that could indicate heart failure, a doctor may request a BNP test.
When someone is in a crisis or has symptoms that could be due to heart failure, testing may be done in the emergency room to identify if they have heart failure or another medical problem.
When a person is being treated for heart failure, several BNP tests may be performed throughout time to track the effects of the treatment.
What does an NT-proBNP blood test check for?
N-terminal propeptide and B-type natriuretic peptide are chemicals created and released when the heart is strained and working hard to pump blood. BNP and NT-proBNP tests are used to detect and evaluate heart failure by measuring their levels in the blood.
Because it was first discovered in brain tissue, BNP was given the name brain natriuretic peptide. The left ventricle of the heart is the primary producer of BNP. It has to do with blood volume and pressure, as well as the amount of work the heart has to do in pumping blood around the body. The heart produces small amounts of a precursor protein called pro-BNP on a regular basis. The enzyme corin then cleaves pro-BNP, releasing the active hormone BNP and an inactive fragment, NT-proBNP, into the bloodstream.
When the heart’s left ventricle is stretched, the levels of BNP and NT-proBNP generated rise dramatically. This signifies that the heart is working harder and having more difficulty keeping up with the needs of the body. This might happen as a result of heart failure or other disorders that affect the heart and circulatory system. The term “heart failure” can be deceptive. It doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating; it simply indicates it isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should be. This reduced capacity will be reflected in an increase in circulating BNP or NT-proBNP.
Lab tests often ordered with an NT-proBNP test:
Conditions where an NT-proBNP test is recommended:
How does my health care provider use an NT-proBNP test?
Pro B-type natriuretic peptide testing is most commonly used to identify, diagnose, and assess the severity of heart failure. It can be used in conjunction with other cardiac biomarker tests to detect heart stress and damage, or it can be used in conjunction with lung function tests to differentiate between causes of shortness of breath. X-rays of the chest and an ultrasound test called echocardiogram may be used.
Heart failure can be misdiagnosed as other illnesses, and it can coexist with them. proBNP levels can aid doctors in distinguishing between heart failure and other issues like pulmonary illness. Because the therapies are typically diverse and must be started as soon as possible, a precise diagnosis is critical.
Although proBNP is commonly used to detect heart failure, an elevated level in those who have had an acute coronary syndrome implies a higher risk of repeat episodes. As a result, a health care provider can use BNP to assess the risk of a future cardiac attack in someone who has ACS.
What do my proBNP N-Terminal test results mean?
Higher-than-normal results indicate that a person has heart failure, and the level of proBNP in the blood is linked to the severity of the condition. proBNP levels beyond a certain threshold are generally linked to a poor prognosis.
The person's symptoms are most likely caused by anything other than heart failure if the results are normal.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.