What Do High Levels Of BNP Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 14 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 Answered on

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a BNP test done and the reading was 321. Is that high

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

I would explain as follows :

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that
BNP is a test used when heart failure is suspicious and also for prognostication.

A value less than 100 pg/ml makes heart failure unlikely; while a value greater than 490 pg/ml makes it likely. For values between 100-400 pg/ml need further clinical judgement.

Coming to your case, it is necessary to explore alternative causes like hypertension, renal disorders, chronic pulmonary disorders, sepsis, etc.

In addition, a cardiac ultrasound, chest X ray study, and several lab tests:

- complete blood count,
- PCR and ESR,
- liver and renal function tests,
- thyroid hormones level,
- fasting blood glucose level

Needs to be checked.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above-mentioned issues.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar