Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
Levels rise with age and kidney disease, and are lower in people with obesity. Sacubitril-valsartan (Entresto) raises BNP but not NT-proBNP.
Why it's done
- Shortness of breath, swelling, or tiredness that could be heart failure
- Following heart failure treatment
Getting ready and what happens
- No special preparation is needed.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| BNP | Below 100 pg/mL makes heart failure unlikely |
| NT-proBNP | Below 125 pg/mL makes heart failure unlikely outside the ER (cutoffs rise with age) |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
High
Suggests heart strain, most often heart failure. Lung clots, kidney disease, and AFib can also raise it.
When a result needs quick action
Call 911Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing pink frothy mucus
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
- Do I need an echocardiogram?
- How will we track this?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related medicines
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.