When Heart Failure is diagnosed, the above BNP test is one that is ordered and is used in addition to other testing in determining whether Heart Failure is present.
If you have been diagnosed with Heart Failure, do you know what your BNP is?
"BNP is a substance secreted from the ventricles or lower chambers of the heart in response to changes in pressure that occur when heart failure develops and worsens. The level of BNP in the blood increases when heart failure symptoms worsen, and decreases when the heart failure condition is stable. The BNP level in a person with heart failure - even someone whose condition is stable - is higher than in a person with normal heart function"
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/
pub/guide/tests/labtests/bnp.htm
Hugs, Teri