This test measures BNP, a hormone released by the heart in response to stretching or pressure overload.
Diagnostic Value: Elevated BNP indicates heart failure or fluid overload.
Clinical Significance: BNP helps differentiate cardiac from non-cardiac causes of shortness of breath and guides management of heart failure.
Symptom Correlation: Patients may present with fatigue, leg swelling, or difficulty breathing.
The BNP test is essential for evaluating and monitoring heart failure severity.