Skip to content

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

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

BNP is a hormone produced by the heart ventricles in response to increased pressure and volume. It helps diagnose and assess the severity of heart failure.

Quick summary

BNP is a key biomarker for diagnosing and managing heart failure.

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
interpretation: {"text":"BNP levels between 0–100 pg/mL are considered within the normal range.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":"BNP levels above 100 pg/mL may indicate heart failure or other cardiovascular issues.","label":"Elevated"}

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is a hormone released by the heart ventricles when the heart is under stress, such as in the case of heart failure. It helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of heart failure by indicating the volume and pressure load on the heart.

The reference range for BNP is typically between 0–100 pg/mL. Elevated levels beyond this range can suggest heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions.

BNP levels are also used to evaluate the effectiveness of heart failure treatment and to predict prognosis. Regular monitoring can help in adjusting treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

What does a high BNP level mean?
A high BNP level typically indicates that the heart is under significant stress, often due to heart failure.
Can BNP levels be used to monitor treatment effectiveness?
Yes, BNP levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of heart failure treatments and to adjust therapies as needed.
  1. 1
    BNP and NT-proBNP as Markers of Heart FailureSource
  2. 2
    Role of BNP in Heart FailureSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

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