BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) is a hormone released by the heart when its walls are stretched by too much pressure or fluid. Some labs measure NT-proBNP instead, which has different ranges.
- Normal range (adults)
- Below 100 pg/mL (below 100 ng/L)
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Not usually needed
- Also called
- Brain Natriuretic Peptide, B-type Natriuretic Peptide
BNP normal range
| Group | pg/mLConventional units: US, South Asia | ng/LSI units: UK, Europe, Australia, international |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Below 100 | Below 100 |
Your report may use either unit system; labs in the Gulf often print both. Ranges also vary slightly between laboratories, so the range printed on your own report is the one to go by.
Why is the BNP test done?
It is used to diagnose and monitor heart failure in people with breathlessness or swelling.
What does a high BNP level mean?
A high BNP suggests the heart is under strain, most often from heart failure. Levels also rise with age, kidney disease and atrial fibrillation.
Common causes
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Kidney disease
- Pulmonary embolism or lung disease
- Older age
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Limit salt to less than 5 g a day (about a teaspoon in total)
- Follow any fluid limit your doctor sets
- Weigh yourself daily if you have heart failure and report rapid weight gain
- Avoid alcohol
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor promptly for worsening breathlessness, leg swelling or waking up breathless at night.
Last updated
This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Normal ranges differ between laboratories, so always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss abnormal results with your doctor.