What Is B-Type Natriuretic Peptide?
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a chain of 32 amino acids that make up a polypeptide. The word poly means many, so the term polypeptide means many peptides. Amino acids are present throughout the body and are the building blocks of polypeptides and proteins. A high level of b-type natriuretic peptide in the blood can be an indicator of a serious problem with the heart. If an individual is having a problem breathing or is experiencing swelling in the legs, the doctor may order a BNP test. This blood test measures the amount of b-type natriuretic peptide in the blood. If the BNP level is high this can tell the doctor the heart is not functioning properly. Too much pressure in the heart will cause high levels of BNP in the blood. Pressure in the heart occurs when the lower two chambers of the heart are not pumping as effectively as they could be. These lower chambers of the heart are called the ventricles. When these ventricles fail it can cause a condition called congestive heart fai
