What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your BNP level means for your heart health and cardiovascular function. These notes include personalized recommendations like lifestyle modifications, when to follow up with a cardiologist, or whether additional cardiac testing may be helpful. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your BNP levels over time using our trends feature to monitor your heart health, especially if you're managing heart failure or making heart-healthy lifestyle changes.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for anyone experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, or leg swelling to determine if heart problems are the cause. It's also valuable for people with known heart conditions like congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or those who've had a heart attack to monitor their heart health. Additionally, people with kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or lung problems may benefit from this test to assess heart function.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include unexplained shortness of breath (especially when lying down or during light activity), persistent fatigue or weakness, swelling in your legs, ankles, or abdomen, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. You may also experience a persistent cough, sudden weight gain from fluid retention, or reduced ability to exercise. These symptoms may suggest your heart isn't pumping effectively and could benefit from BNP testing.

How can I naturally support my heart health?

Supporting heart health involves limiting sodium intake to reduce fluid retention and strain on your heart, aiming for less than 2,000mg daily. Regular moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling strengthens your heart muscle and improves circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress through relaxation techniques, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol all contribute to better heart function and lower BNP levels over time.

What is BNP and why does it matter?

BNP (B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) is a hormone your heart releases when it's stretched or working too hard to pump blood effectively. Think of it as your heart's way of signaling stress or strain. Higher BNP levels indicate your heart is struggling, which helps doctors diagnose heart failure, determine its severity, and monitor how well treatments are working.

What does high BNP mean?

High BNP levels typically indicate your heart is under stress and may not be pumping blood efficiently, which is common in heart failure. Elevated levels can also occur with high blood pressure, heart valve problems, heart attacks, kidney disease, or lung conditions affecting the heart. The higher the BNP level, generally the more severe the heart strain, though your doctor will interpret results in context with your symptoms and other tests.

How often should I retest my BNP levels?

If you've been diagnosed with heart failure, your doctor may test BNP every few months to monitor how well your treatment is working and adjust medications as needed. Decreasing BNP levels indicate your treatment is helping your heart function better. If you're testing to diagnose symptoms, your doctor will determine follow-up timing based on your initial results and clinical picture, typically within weeks to months.