BNP: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview
BNP is a hormone made mainly by the heart’s ventricles in response to increased wall stretch. It is a cardiac biomarker used as a blood test in the diagnostic workup of dyspnea and suspected heart failure. BNP is part of the natriuretic peptide system that reflects cardiac filling pressures and volume status. It is commonly used in emergency, inpatient, and outpatient cardiology to support diagnosis and risk assessment.