What BNP Is and Why It Matters in CHF
- BNP (or NT-proBNP) is a hormone your heart releases when it’s under stress from stretching — often due to fluid buildup or pressure overload in heart failure.
- High levels often mean your heart is working harder than usual to pump blood.
- It’s useful for:
- Diagnosing heart failure if symptoms are unclear
- Monitoring heart failure control over time
- Distinguishing heart-related shortness of breath from lung or other causes
BNP Test Numbers (General Guide)
(Exact ranges can vary by lab and age)
|
BNP Level |
What It May Suggest |
|
< 100 pg/mL |
Heart failure unlikely |
|
100–400 pg/mL |
Possible heart failure (or other causes — needs context) |
|
> 400 pg/mL |
Likely heart failure present |
|
NT-proBNP > 900 pg/mL |
Suggestive of CHF in people over 50 |
Here’s your revised and comprehensive cardiology appointment checklist, which includes the BNP blood test and lab follow-ups.
Cardiology Appointment Checklist
(For Mild CHF, AFib, Watchman Device, and CPAP Use)
About My Heart Function
- What is my current ejection fraction (EF)?
- Has my EF changed since my last test?
- Do I have systolic or diastolic heart failure?
- Should I have an echocardiogram yearly, or more/less often?
About Labs and BNP
- Do we check my BNP or NT-proBNP regularly?
- What is my baseline BNP level?
- If my BNP rises, what changes would you make to my treatment?
- How often should we check my kidney function and electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium) since I take Lasix?
About My Medications
- Is my current Lasix dose correct for my swelling?
- Am I on all guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure (beta-blocker, ACE/ARB/ARNI, mineralocorticoid antagonist, SGLT2 inhibitor if appropriate)?
- Do I need any medication changes for my AFib?
About My AFib and Watchman Device
- Is my AFib rate and rhythm well controlled?
- Is my Watchman device sealed properly on my most recent imaging?
- Do I still need any antiplatelet or blood-thinning medication? If yes, for how long?
About My Sleep Apnea
- Is my CPAP therapy still effective based on recent data?
- Could adjusting my CPAP settings improve my heart function or AFib control?
About Monitoring and Lifestyle
- Should I weigh myself daily? What weight gain should trigger a call?
- What is my daily sodium limit?
- Should I restrict fluids? If so, to how much?
- Are there any symptoms that should make me call you right away?
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