What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in your legs or ankles, or difficulty exercising. It helps assess whether your heart is under strain or stress, which can be an early warning sign of heart failure or other heart conditions. Many people use this test when they have concerning symptoms or risk factors like high blood pressure, heart disease history, or diabetes.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your NT-proBNP level means for your heart health and whether it indicates heart strain or stress. These notes include personalized recommendations like lifestyle changes, when to follow up with a cardiologist, or if further heart testing is needed. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your NT-proBNP levels over time using our trends feature to monitor your heart health, especially if you're managing heart conditions or making lifestyle improvements.

What's included in this test?

This test measures NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide), a protein released by your heart when it's working harder than normal or under stress. Elevated levels can indicate heart strain, heart failure risk, or fluid buildup around the heart. This measurement helps doctors assess heart function and determine if symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue are heart-related.

How should I prepare for this test?

No special preparation is typically needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your blood draw. However, let your healthcare provider know about any medications you're taking, as some heart medications may affect interpretation of results.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for people experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, swelling in legs or feet, or difficulty lying flat. It's also important for those with risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease history, or anyone being monitored for heart failure. Your doctor may also order this if they need to distinguish between heart-related and lung-related breathing problems.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include persistent shortness of breath especially with activity or when lying down, unusual fatigue or weakness, swelling in your ankles, legs, or abdomen, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. You might also experience reduced ability to exercise, persistent coughing or wheezing, or sudden weight gain from fluid retention. If you're experiencing these symptoms, especially combined with heart disease risk factors, this test can help identify if your heart is under stress.

How can I naturally support my heart health?

Supporting heart health starts with regular aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes most days. Focus on a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish. Limit sodium intake to reduce fluid retention and blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress through meditation or yoga, get adequate sleep, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

What is NT-proBNP and why does it matter?

NT-proBNP is a protein fragment released into your bloodstream when your heart is working harder than it should or experiencing stress. When the heart's pumping chambers are stretched or strained, they produce more of this substance as a signal that something may be wrong. Doctors use NT-proBNP levels to assess heart function, diagnose heart failure, determine its severity, and monitor treatment effectiveness.

What does high NT-proBNP mean?

High NT-proBNP levels indicate your heart is under significant strain or stress. This can mean heart failure, where the heart isn't pumping efficiently, or other conditions causing the heart to work harder like high blood pressure, heart valve problems, or fluid overload. The higher the level, generally the more severe the heart stress. Elevated levels require follow-up with a cardiologist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

How often should I retest NT-proBNP?

If you're being monitored for heart failure, your doctor may test every few months to track how well treatment is working. For those with symptoms but no diagnosis, retesting might be done after lifestyle changes or treatment to see if levels improve. If you're at high risk for heart disease but currently have normal levels, annual testing may be recommended. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific recommendations based on your individual situation.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Heart Strain Test - Check for Shortness of Breath

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Blood Test for Shortness of Breath and Heart Health

NT-proBNP

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Shortness of Breath and Heart Health

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say