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B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Clinical

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

BNP is a hormone released by the heart in response to changes in blood pressure and volume, particularly associated with heart failure.

Quick summary

BNP levels help diagnose heart failure and assess its severity.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
pg/mL
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Abbott i-STAT BNP Clinic
interpretation: {"text":"0–100 pg/mL: BNP levels within this range are generally considered normal and indicate a low likelihood of heart failure.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":">100 pg/mL: Levels above the reference range may indicate heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions requiring further evaluation.","label":"Elevated"}

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is a biomarker that measures the concentration of this hormone in the blood. It is primarily used to diagnose and monitor heart failure, as elevated levels indicate increased pressure in the heart chambers.

The reference range for BNP is typically between 0–100 pg/mL. Levels above this range may suggest heart failure, while extremely high levels can indicate severe heart conditions.

BNP testing is often used alongside other diagnostic tools, such as echocardiograms and clinical assessments, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions

What factors can affect BNP levels?
BNP levels can be influenced by factors such as age, kidney function, and other medical conditions like pulmonary hypertension or atrial fibrillation.
How is a BNP test performed?
A BNP test involves a simple blood draw, with results usually available within a few hours to a day.
  1. 1
    American Heart Association: B-type Natriuretic PeptideSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic: B-type Natriuretic Peptide TestSource

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy