Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test

Beta-Natriuretic Peptide, BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) Test

Why It Is Done

The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test is used to:

• Check for heart failure. A doctor may think you have heart failure if you are having problems such as difficulty breathing and swelling (edema) in the arms or legs.
• Find out how severe heart failure is.
• Check the response of treatment for heart failure.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: August 21, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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