NT-proBNP
A peptide released by the heart when it is under strain, used to detect heart failure.
| Typical reference range | below 125 pg/mL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
When heart muscle is stretched by increased pressure or volume, cardiac cells release proBNP, which splits into active BNP and the inactive fragment NT-proBNP. NT-proBNP is more stable in blood.
Why it matters
NT-proBNP helps diagnose and monitor heart failure and predicts cardiovascular risk. In people without symptoms, mildly elevated values can indicate early cardiac stress.
What a high result can mean
High levels occur with heart failure, heart valve disease, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, kidney disease (reduced clearance) and advancing age. Extreme endurance exercise can cause transient increases.
What a low result can mean
Low values are normal and make heart failure unlikely. Obesity is associated with lower levels, which can mask disease.
What affects the result
Normal thresholds rise with age (below 125 pg/mL under 75 years; below 450 above 75 in outpatient settings) and kidney function strongly affects levels. Sacubitril-valsartan raises BNP but not NT-proBNP.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in pg/mL.
- From ng/L: multiply by 1 to get pg/mL
- From pmol/L: multiply by 8.457 to get pg/mL
Also called on lab reports
NT-Pro BNP, NT proBNP, N-Terminal Pro-BNP, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, proBNP, N-Terminal, NT-proBNP, Serum
Related tests: Heart
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.