BNP

Question 1

What is the action of BNP

Answer 1

• Promotes vasodilation
• Increases urinary sodium excretion - decreases circulating blood volume so less strain on heart
• Myocyte growth/ fibrosis

Question 2

How is BNP able to detect heart failure post MI

Answer 2

• B-type NP help to detect left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 40% post MI along with echo
• Worse outcomes with higher BNP

Question 3

What are the clinical uses of BNP

Answer 3

Monitoring HF therapy
Risk in HF and ACS
HF diagnosis
Screening for left ventricular dysfunction

Question 4

What is the pathway for suspected HF management

Answer 4

1. HF symptoms
2. 12 Lead ECH and BNP/NT proBNP
3. CXR, bloods, spirometry
4. Echo