B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker for heart failure that is increasingly recognized for its important role in early detection of subclinical disease, risk stratification, diagnosis, therapy guidance, and outcome prediction. This self-study course will provide current information to guide your use of this important biomarker to improve patient outcomes.

The 32-amino acid polypeptide is secreted by ventricles of the heart in response to excessive stretching of cardiac myocytes. Cardiac secretion of natriuretic peptides serves to maintain intravascular volume homeostasis.

The test measures the amount of BNP cardiac hormone in the blood. BNP levels increase in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload associated with heart failure. When treatment for heart failure is working, BNP levels may drop.

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