Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

BNP: High Result: What Does It Mean?

High BNP or NT-proBNP can indicate increased cardiac stress and support the possibility of heart failure; age, sex, kidney function and other cardiac or pulmonary conditions can affect the result.

Test summary

Test name: BNP
Abbreviations: BNP
Category: Cardiac Biomarkers
Panel: Heart Failure Assessment
Specimen: Plasma
Common units: pg/mL, ng/L

What does the test measure?

The BNP test measures the level of BNP released by the heart when it is under increased pressure or volume stress.

Why is the test ordered?

It can help assess heart failure in people with symptoms such as shortness of breath and can be used to monitor clinical status in known heart failure.

Information about a low result

A low or normal BNP/NT-proBNP can help make heart failure less likely in the appropriate clinical setting; the assay, age and other factors must be considered.

Information about a high result

High BNP or NT-proBNP can indicate increased cardiac stress and support the possibility of heart failure; age, sex, kidney function and other cardiac or pulmonary conditions can affect the result.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

BNP and NT-proBNP are not the same analyte but are used for similar clinical purposes. Age, sex, kidney function, obesity and rhythm disorders can affect interpretation.

Related specialties

Cardiology
Internal Medicine
Emergency Medicine

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Troponin Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · Troponin testing and cardiac muscle injury interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Natriuretic Peptide Tests (BNP, NT-proBNP) — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · BNP and NT-proBNP in heart-failure assessment and age/sex context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026