Overview
A B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) blood test is a procedure that is used to check the amount of the BNP hormone in your blood. BNP works with a heart hormone, known as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) to enhance the dilation of your arteries and veins. These hormones provide easy passage for your blood through the vessels and prevent blood clotting. They also boost the removal of salt and fluid from your body through the kidney.
Congestive heart failure affects your heart’s ability to supply the body with blood. This is mostly caused by the weakening of the walls of your heart chambers, called thee ventricles. The condition destabilizes fluid and pressure levels in the body. Your heart cells start to produce high levels of BNP to maintain normal levels of fluids in your body and control your blood pressure.