bnp test

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone released by heart chambers when they stretch from increased pressure or fluid overload. Blood BNP levels are a key marker of heart stress and fluid balance. Elevated BNP strongly suggests heart failure, even before symptoms appear, and helps doctors assess disease severity and treatment response. The test is also useful for distinguishing heart-related causes of shortness of breath from lung problems. BNP is one of the most sensitive tests for detecting heart dysfunction and guides treatment decisions in cardiovascular patients.