why do bnp lab
The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test is used to: 1  Check for heart failure. A doctor may think you have heart failure if you are having problems such as trouble breathing and swelling (edema) in the arms or legs. 2  Find out how severe heart failure is. 3  Check the response to treatment for heart failure.
A brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test measures the amount of the BNP hormone in your blood. BNP is made by your heart and shows how well your heart is working. Normally, only a low amount of BNP is found in your blood.