bnp

[rfed]

I was just at the er because i was having pain in my chest and back. they did blood work and my bnp blood test is elevated it says 100 is normal and mine was 233. i am so scared i dont know what to do... can anyone give me any insight? i am 40 yrs old and obese. please

thank you

[rfed]

thank you soooo much for your help... I am so scared and you have put my mind at ease a little bit.. :)

Thank you

[erijon]

B-type Natriuretic Peptide  (BNP) is a substance that leaks from the lower beating chambers in the heart in a response to a change in pressure which indicates the presence and severity of heart failure. Your number of 233, although higher than the normal limit of 100, is still fairly low and does not yet suggest mild heart failure. It's like being pre-diabetic, you don't have diabetes yet but there is evidence that the condition is present. This usually the result of an increased amount of fluid or high pressure inside the heart. There are drugs and lifestyle changes that can correct these issues.

To put your number in perspective, below is the breakdown from the Cleveland Clinic;

BNP levels below 100 pg/mL indicate no heart failure
BNP levels of 100-300 suggest heart failure is present
BNP levels above 300 pg/mL indicate mild heart failure
BNP levels above 600 pg/mL indicate moderate heart failure.
BNP levels above 900 pg/mL indicate severe heart failure.


You should be working with your doctor to stabilize any issues that may be present which may lead to heart failure. There are several underlying conditions that can be controlled and cause your heart to improve. Although there is no life threatening worries right now, now is the time to start improving your cardiac health.

I hope this helps,

Jon