B-type natriuretic peptide definition - medical term
A 32-amino-acid polypeptide secreted by the
ventricles of the heart in response to excessive stretching of myocytes (heart muscles
cells) in the ventricles. The levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are elevated
in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. BNP levels correlate with both the
severity of symptoms and the prognosis in congestive heart failure.
BNP levels are higher in patients with dyspnea (shortness of breath) due to heart
failure than in patients with dyspnea from other causes. Rapid measurement of BNP
in the emergency department therefore helps in the evaluation and treatment of patients
with acute dyspnea and reduces the time to discharge and the cost of their treatment.
BNP appears to be a useful marker of cardiovascular risk, even in people with
no clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease. The levels of BNP predict the risk
of heart failure, first cardiovascular events, atrial fibrillation, and stroke or
transient ischemic attack.
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