Lab test question

[Midge Rollins]

For once while I was at the clinic I kept my mouth shut and now I do not know what this test was for. In my evaluation last week for a heart line (did not do) In my blood test panel, was a BNP mine is elevated, but I do not know what it is for. Does anyone else by chance know? Did not do line as they are increasing my Lasix and trying that again for another month. It does temporarily help for a week or so, so I will take my good week I am having and enjoy. It is going to be a Hickman catheter when they do it as that is less chance of infection, and with my devices that could be a mess to get infection. Thus, I was so surprised that they were not going to do that procedure that I did not ask questions about this lab test. BNP, if anyone knows let me know. Thanks all.

[vickie]

Re: Lab test question

I believe the BNP test when elevated is a good indicator of CHF (congestive heart failure). If you are SOB, and your BNP level is high, chances are you are in CHF and that is the reason for the SOB. Hope this helps. I really can't remember too much more about it.

[mjesaitis]

Re: Lab test question

Midge,

This definition is taken from the Cleveland Clinic:

"BNP, or B-type natriuretic peptide, 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 or 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.

BNP levels below 100 pg/mL indicate no heart failure
BNP levels of 100-300 suggest heart failure is present
BNP levels above 300 pg/mL indicate mild heart failure
BNP levels above 600 pg/mL indicate moderate heart failure
BNP levels above 900 pg/mL indicate severe heart failure"

I hope this helps, and I hope you're doing well otherwise too.

Matt

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Lab test question

Those with HCM always will have a BNP that is a little high -when your system is "challanged" it may be higher.
Example: in January - I was really sick - my BNP was 890! I was OK in 2 weeks but at the time the BNP was taken it was WAY up!
BNP's will vary do not panic if it is up a little - it is likley that they will try to get fluid off of you via lasix.

Lisa

[Midge Rollins]

Re: Lab test question

Thanks everyone. I needed to know what the test is for. Very informative.

[shirleymahoney]

Re: Lab test question

this post is what i was looking for, had to go to urgent care center yesterday, have been getting short of breath for about four days now, the dr. told me he didn't think it was my lungs, just had a little wheezing, i'm retaining fliuds though in my stomach and legs, still very short of breath, more so just getting up walking across the room, they said my oxegen sat was 96 at rest 94 when not at rest, the dr. told me he thought my CHF was progressing, i go see my primary care dr. tomorrow i'm sure he will run the bnp test tomorrow, iwill just be glad when they get it under control, so i can get a good night sleep, breathing is worse when i lay down, and only comfortable on my right side weird lying on my back makes me start wheezing and i can't breath same for left side well thank you for letting me vent, on you guys. i'm very glad i found this foundation.

P.S the dr. put me on prednazone, he thought it might help me breath, and an antibiotic just i case i had infection in my chest it's Biaxin xl 500mg