Brain Natriuretic Peptide
Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is a hormone produced by the heart, specifically in the ventricles. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. When the heart is under stress, such as in cases of heart failure, BNP levels increase, helping to reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure.
Clinically, measuring BNP levels can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing heart conditions. Elevated BNP levels often indicate heart failure, while lower levels suggest that heart failure is less likely. This makes BNP a valuable biomarker in cardiology.