Natriuretic peptides are hormones produced by the heart that help regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. They are released in response to increased blood volume or pressure, promoting the excretion of sodium through the kidneys, which in turn helps to lower blood pressure. There are several types of natriuretic peptides, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). These peptides play a crucial role in cardiovascular health and are often measured in clinical settings to assess heart function and diagnose conditions such as heart failure.