HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test
Why It Is Done
The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test is used to:
- Check for heart failure. A doctor may think you have heart failure if you are having problems such as trouble breathing and swelling (edema) in the arms or legs.
- Find out how severe heart failure is.
- Check the response to treatment for heart failure.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference April 25, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference George Philippides, MD - Cardiology |
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