This test is ideal if you're experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in your legs or ankles, or difficulty exercising like you used to. It helps identify heart failure and evaluates how well your heart is pumping blood throughout your body. Many people use this test when they have symptoms that suggest their heart may not be working as efficiently as it should, or when their doctor wants to monitor a known heart condition.
How should I prepare for this test?
No special preparation is typically required for the NT-Pro BNP test. You don't need to fast, and you can take your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. It's best to get tested when you're experiencing symptoms if you're being evaluated for heart issues, though the test can be done any time for monitoring purposes.
What's included in this test?
This test measures NT-Pro BNP (N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide), a protein released by your heart when it's under stress or working harder than normal. Elevated levels can indicate heart failure, help determine its severity, and guide treatment decisions. This biomarker is particularly useful for distinguishing heart-related shortness of breath from lung-related breathing problems, and it's a key tool in monitoring heart health over time.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your NT-Pro BNP level means for your heart function and overall cardiovascular health. 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 NT-Pro BNP levels over time using our trends feature to monitor your heart health and see how treatments or lifestyle changes are working.
When will I get my results?
Most NT-Pro BNP test results are available within 1-3 business days after your sample reaches the laboratory. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready to view in your secure online account. For urgent cases or if your doctor has ordered the test for immediate evaluation, some labs can provide results within 24 hours.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is important for anyone experiencing unexplained shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, leg swelling, or difficulty breathing when lying down. It's also valuable for people with known heart conditions who need regular monitoring, those with high blood pressure or diabetes at risk for heart problems, and anyone whose doctor suspects heart failure. People recovering from a heart attack or undergoing heart failure treatment often use this test to track their progress.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common symptoms include persistent shortness of breath especially during activity or when lying flat, unusual fatigue that limits your daily activities, swelling in your ankles or legs, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and difficulty exercising like you used to. You might also experience a persistent cough, sudden weight gain from fluid retention, or feeling like your heart is racing or pounding.
How can I naturally support my heart health?
Supporting heart health starts with regular physical activity like walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes most days. Following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods is crucial. Managing stress through meditation, adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight also supports cardiovascular function. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can significantly improve heart health as well.
What is NT-Pro BNP and why does it matter?
NT-Pro BNP is a protein fragment released into your bloodstream when your heart muscle is stretched or working too hard to pump blood effectively. When your heart struggles, it releases this protein as a signal that something may be wrong. Measuring NT-Pro BNP levels helps doctors diagnose heart failure, determine how severe it is, predict outcomes, and monitor how well treatments are working. It's one of the most reliable blood markers for assessing heart function.
What does high NT-Pro BNP mean?
Elevated NT-Pro BNP levels typically indicate your heart is under stress or not pumping efficiently, which may suggest heart failure. The higher the level, generally the more severe the heart dysfunction. High levels can also occur with conditions like kidney disease, pulmonary embolism, or severe lung disease. Your doctor will interpret your specific level in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to determine the best course of action.
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Demo results
NT-Pro BNP420 pg/mL
Demo results
LowOptimal 0 - 125High
420 pg/mL
What this means
Your NT-Pro BNP level is elevated above the normal range, which suggests your heart may be working harder than it should to pump blood effectively. While this doesn't automatically mean you have heart failure, it does indicate your heart is under some stress and warrants further evaluation or monitoring, especially if you're experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue.
Recommended actions
Follow up with a cardiologist or your primary care doctor to discuss these results and any symptoms
Reduce sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day to ease strain on your heart
Engage in gentle, regular physical activity as tolerated and approved by your doctor
Monitor and track symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling, or fatigue, and retest in 3-6 months or as directed
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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Blood Test for Shortness of Breath and Heart Health