BNP Defined

BNP, or B-type Natriuretic Peptide, also referred to as brain natriuretic peptide, was first identified in 1988.

• BNP and atrial natriuretic peptide, (ANP), act as a dual natriuretic system in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.¹
• Studies have demonstrated that the heart is a major source of circulating BNP.²
• BNP is secreted from membrane granules in the heart ventricles and is a cardiac hormone released from the heart in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload.³
• BNP is activated by ventricular distension due to increased intracardiac pressure.⁴
• BNP is an excellent hormonal marker of ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction.⁵

Clinical Significance of BNP

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are related to the severity of signs and symptoms of heart failure.

• BNP levels differentiate COPD and heart failure facilitating early patient entry into the appropriate care pathway.
• BNP concentrations, at presentation, have been able to accurately reflect final diagnosis.⁶
• In combination with the history and physical examination, BNP concentrations provide independent indication of ventricular function without use of other invasive or expensive diagnostic tests.⁷
• Circulating BNP concentrations increase with severity of heart failure.⁷
• Correlation exists between BNP concentrations and left ventricular end diastolic pressure.⁸
• Inverse correlation exists between BNP levels and left ventricular function following acute myocardial infarction.⁸
• Elevated BNP concentrations are associated with raised pulmonary wedge pressures, reduced ventricular systolic and diastolic function, left ventricular hypertrophy, and myocardial infarction.⁹

References