The blood test that detects heart failure
Today I am going to talk about a really interesting blood test that detects weakness of the heart muscle (heart failure). This test is called BNP. BNP stands for brain natriuretic peptide and this test is already being used commonly in medical practice.
Before I talk about this BNP, I wanted to start off by talking about heart failure. In heart failure, the fundamental problem is that the heart is unable to pump blood to match the body’s requirements. The common symptoms therefore include breathlessness, fatigue, ankle swelling and exercise intolerance. Patients with heart failure can’t push themselves as much as normal people and therefore have a much more limited exercise capacity. It is also worth understanding that in the early stages, the heart failure may not cause any symptoms at all and therefore can be very difficult to detect.
There are several problems with heart failure:
People with a weak heart don’t, in general, live as long as people with a strong heart (but with treatment, we can definitely improve prognosis)
People with a weak heart,in general, don’t have as good a quality of life as people with a strong heart (but with effective treatment we can definitely improve quality of life)
We recognise that without treatment, the weakness of the heart can continue to worsen and therefore early detection and treatment is essential
The symptoms can be quite non specific and don’t necessarily immediately point to the diagnosis (Breathlessness/ tiredness/leg swelling etc). They also don’t correlate with severity of heart failure.
The gold standard test to make the diagnosis is an echocardiogram which is a specialist investigation, needs trained personnel and therefore not as easily available.
So in essence, Heart failure is an important, disabling and dangerous condition which can be treated quite effectively (if treated early) but the symptoms are non-specific and the gold standard test is not as easily or quickly available; and therefore the idea of a simple blood test to make the diagnosis is really very attractive. This is where the BNP blood test comes in.
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After a major heart attack several years ago my BNP was 700. It turned out that 30% of the left side of my heart is scar tissue and nonfunctional. It remained 700 no matter the drugs were prescribed and taken, or the amount of exercise (walking 3 to 5 miles a day) I did. My heart continued to weaken. Then I decided to do an experiment. I reduced sodium to under 500 mg a day (which by the way is difficult. It meant no restaurant food, and nothing packaged and that included bread.). My BNP dropped to 230 two months later. Six months after my very low salt diet was started BNP dropped to 197. One year after very low sodium and BNP dropped to 173. I'll continue with the program and see just how low it will get.
@theguvnor5964
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing....yes,its very difficult to cut out sodium.Good luck with everything
@Iwantenglandback
2 жыл бұрын
That is wonderful! Well done.
@LykMike
2 жыл бұрын
Heck yeah!
@suerome9718
Жыл бұрын
Hello! Update to share?
@paulettewilliams6435
Жыл бұрын
Praise the Lord! I'm happy for you! Majority of diseases, if not all can be reversed through eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains! That's God's original diet for us!Diseases are mostly related to wrongful foods that we consume daily! Please keep up the good work, I'll be praying for you!🙏😊
Sanjay is the most articulate "explainer" of complex medical information. Genius! and an amazing service for anyone who is curious about medicine. All doctors could take a lesson from him .
@cristinaordon2888
2 жыл бұрын
I completely agree !
@rt193682
Жыл бұрын
Yes, he is just excellent and explains everything so I can understand.
An educated patient is an empowered patient. An empowered patient can take steps that could improve their outcome. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. Sharing your knowledge with viewers could be the most impactful actions of your whole career. ☀️
Heart issues can be very upsetting and we don’t often feel like we’re getting enough information or understanding what info we do have so thank you for your in-depth yet easy to understand videos!
@bonnierobinson8684
2 жыл бұрын
Yep my doctor is not good at explaining this! This is why I am here!
Very helpful to know this. Also, you explain things very detailed and clearly and can be easily understood. Thank you for helping us understand these complex medical issues and what the possible solutions are. All the information you share is very much appreciated. You are an excellent instructor and teacher. :)
Thank you so much for uploading this video. As an RN and pt with HF, I really enjoyed and learned a lot from your video. God bless you.
When I was diagnosed with Afib out of the blue.it was you who gave me sensible and sound advice. Followed your advice and I,m Afib free for the last 50 days thanks Sanjay.
@rodouladoulos1548
4 жыл бұрын
how did you manaGe that???? can you elaborate on it!!!!
@khalidaparveen5735
3 жыл бұрын
Please share your treatment plan, how did you followed Dr. Gupta and managed your AFIB.
Thank you Doctor! You are a true blessing. I suddenly started experiencing PVCs a few weeks ago. A Holter Monitor showed I was having less than 100 per day, but unnerving to say the least. I was not experiencing any symptoms other than a "flutter" feeling in my chest. The doctor suggested an echocardiogram and I inquired about the BNP test in lieu of the expensive procedure since I currently am uninsured. He agreed and the test came back very low in the teens. So, for now I have some much needed peace of mind and the diagnosis right now is benign PVCs. Your videos made me aware of the test. Thank you for what you do.
An outstanding report Dr, thank you so much as a patient who has been recently diagnosed with heart failure my EF is 31 - I find this information most helpful. Unfortunately my cardiologist did not inform me that I had had a heart failure for 6 weeks after my echocardiogram and he also told me that my wife’s recent passing away had nothing to do with my heart stress; I start with a new cardiologist next week. Many thanks for this BNP test information. Jonathan Griffin/ Dublin, Ireland
@WendyMoule
5 жыл бұрын
Sorry for your loss Jonathan
@jonathangriffin3860
5 жыл бұрын
Wendy M Thank you Wendy it’s been a grueling painful year- but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I believe the dead wouldn’t want the living to suffer and the living wouldn’t want the dead to suffer. Jonathan
@gloriamaryhaywood2217
4 жыл бұрын
There is a condition called Broken Heart Syndrome. It is very real. Look It up. I know my sisters death from cancer this past Feb.had a lot to do with my own sudden health issues. And two months I developed Afib also. Had been feeling really pretty good until dealing with helplessly watching her die. I feel somewhat better these days, but it took its toll on me in many ways, (including anxiety and depression) and took time to start healing and recovering. Our physical bodies are very connected to our emotional state of being. Sorry for your loss and hope you are feeling better.
@jonathangriffin3860
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you Gloria May Life is filled with uncertainties we must embrace each day and The Sun is always shining even though sometimes we can’t see it for the clouds. I wish you well. Jonathan
@xavierp4035
4 жыл бұрын
I don't understand why some cardiologist don't inform a life threatening condition. I hope your new cardiologist treats you better
You have such a calm and pleasant demeanor as well, excellent bedside manner as they used to say which counts for a lot for the patient. I worked as a medical psychologist for 27 years and what is so critical even in this world of electronics information is the doctor patient relationshipin terms of outcomes. You have that personality that most patients would feel secure and confident in your caring attitude and tone. Of course you are a textbook of knowledge, but more than that the caring shows in your eyes.
Loved the Information. My father died of congestive heart failure and I am working with diet and exercise because of high blood pressure. The more information I can get is very helpful. Much appreciation!
We so appreciate the information you give us. Really helps sorting out symptoms pertaining to the heart. I've learned so much today. Thank you.
I found these videos a few weeks ago and boy are they helpful. I'm in DeLand north of you, so who knows you might see me someday. But seriously, I am 68 and raising my two teenagers and very healthy. I did have cardiomyopathy 11 years ago and they said it was healed. Gone. Wasn't viral. I do holistic. So who knows what I did right, I have an idea. But now, it may be back. Probably never really went away fully. Your videos are extremely helpful on understanding all the tests that they do and not to get scared, which some doctors kind of do. I know they're trying to help but your videos are extremely helpful in understanding the results . Keep them coming and God bless you.
Your information is very good. I worked as a nurse in cardiology for 15yrs. I have learnt a lot from you Thank you for you videos they have very good and practical knowledge that patients need to know.
Thank you so so much for explaining about BNP. My husband's cardiologist kept saying his BNP was grossly elevated but wouldn't explain when asked. I really appreciate all your videos, they are very informative. God bless you ❤️
WoW! Thank you very much. Just discovered you. Very easy to comprehend what you're saying. I truly appreciate you putting these very valuable videos out for us to truly understand thing's about ourselves.
Thank you very much for the information in the video I appreciate all the information coming forth it makes me feel better about the situation that they’re telling me that I have because my BNP being 140 , it’s nice to know that there are other things that can raise the number as well , I APPRECIATE YOU 👍
Thank you Dr Sanjay Gupta for your great information in this video. You are doing an amazing job helping others like myself better understand heart health. My mother passed away in 2011 from heart failure which started after a major heart attack in 2010. She lived another 20 months after that first heart attack. I really do miss her. ❤️🙏🏽
My mum died of CHF years ago. Hadn't heard about BNP blood test then. This is empowering and most helpful moving forward for my family and me. Thank you Dr. Sanjay for sharing this. May God bless you.
@ltpdogtrainingNJ
Жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear that your Mom passed away. My 94½yr Aunt was admitted to the hospital today& her BNP level was 1600!! They are scheduling an ultrasound tomorrow. I'm grateful for Dr Gupta as well. Knowledge is power. Blessings to you as well.
Thank you, I love your videos ! You explain complex things in a way that makes it easy to understand. I appreciate it so much when somebody takes the time to share their knowledge. You are awesome ! I look forward to your next videos.
Thank you for touching on Entresto!! Was put on it earlier this year and started my 3rd increase and don’t know if coincidence, but started feeling better after the first day after dragging, fatigue & brain fatigue since 2009 with TBI then AHF 2019.
As always a most informative, easy to follow video. It fills in all the gaps that may be left by routine Cardiology consultations. Thank you so much for all the time and trouble you devote to making these videos.
Thank you so much for the wonderful clarity of your explanation. I have a high BNP reading but no real understanding of what this meant until I happened upon your excellent information. Greatly relieved.
I am so glad that I saw this today...such a great explanation of the role of the BNP test and possible causes for it's elevation. Thank you yet again, for your clear and thoughtful information videos... I am awaiting an ECHO because my BNP test was borderline. This is so helpful to know, a thousand thanks! x
Very informative, thank you. I have a myocardial bridge, have had small heart attack and noticed on blood tests taken late last week included BNP. I didn’t know what that was, but thanks to you I now do. Don’t have results yet.
Look forward to your videos. Your explanations are thorough and easily understood. Thanks again.
Let us always have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Lord take away any doubt we may have so that we will always be pleasing in your sight. 🙏
@cynthiawilson8759
3 ай бұрын
Amen…🙏🏾
Thank you for this. I'm currently studying for a Heart failure nurse interview. This has been really helpful.
The explanation can not be any better than told here. BNP levels importance can be gauged from Ur talk. Very educative, informative and gives guidance. Wonderful talk. U are gifted to teach at PG level and even to condescend to KG (beginner level). MY hats off to U dr.sir. God bless U and family.
@YorkCardiology
4 жыл бұрын
thank you so much!
Thanks brother this gave me a bit of hope that i dont have chf. Real doctors explain things thoroughly like you did. Thanks and God bless
Very very well described in simple layman's terms. Excellent video.
Good explanation. You are such a good teacher ! This is the first test my doctor ordered.
thank you so much … understanding the issues takes the fear away … keep doing what you're doing!
Good video, very educating. Also, you have a very easy going disposition which I imagine is comforting to your patients. This is important because there is an emotional component with illness. Thank you
Thank you. I’m waiting for my bnp results any day now and in my mind I’m a dead man. This video has happened me a lot regardless of what my numbers turn out to be.
My father was extremely healthy and walked 4 miles a day. However a few weeks after the second vaccine booster he went into CHF. That’s when I first heard about BNP. His life is completely ruined as is our lives. He can barely walk 1/2 mile now and nothing else changed in his life except that vaccine. What are the treatments you mention that can be very effective?
Good explanation that was never really explained by my doctors. HCM. AFIB. ICD. I think my BNP was above 700.
@merlvinc
3 жыл бұрын
It helps to know what is happening to us. Thank you for sharing. --Bonnie Robinson
Thank you for all your videos. I appreciate the clarity of the explanations.
Thank God for dr.Gupta. You are the best educator dr.Gupta. Thank you for all yours videos. You are great. 👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️
💝 you are explanation is healthy food for my soul Most of the doctors are businessmen's these days But you you are the marvelous🤜🤛🎓🎩👑🏆
This information has put my mind at ease. Idk how vertigo symptoms lead to this test at urgent care. I indeed only had vertigo. Although my bnp is 290, I have no HF symptoms. I do suffer from panic attacks and hypertension. I will have a echocardiogram though. Thanks you.
Thank you for keeping us informed. Blessings from Virginia USA.
So informative ....Thanks Sir
My mum wasn't supposed to have kids much less make it past 50 and she hit 90 before passing-John in Texas
@sarahnakate6879
Жыл бұрын
Wooow, is that so great?
I so appreciate your videos and the clear information that you so generously give.
Thanks for doing this video. I just got diagnosed at 680 BNP and was really upset buy now that I understand it I can deal with it better,
Very comforting to hear
Very very useful information sir... Thank you for sharing video on BNP
Very informative. Thank you for taking the time to educate us heart failure.
I'm going to ask my doctor about this test as I have rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and I have the symptoms mentioned.
Thanks for the straight forward and very clear explanation. Those giving you a thumb down might have been commenting on your shirt, but certainly not on the excellent content of this video.
@sassysandie2865
5 жыл бұрын
Kitten Mom I love his shirts!
@Romans15.32
5 жыл бұрын
He is a unique individual who wears unique shirts. 🙂 Many drs. Are tablet pushers not educators.
I'm a heart patient. Undergone balloon angioplasty. But never heard of BMP. (In India) Very useful doc.Thanks.
Thank you, you've made this topic crystal clear and have given realistic expectations.👍
Excellent video. I had a high BNP when tested but I also have afib and kidney disease no one explained that this could be the possible cause of high BNP...I was so worried until I watched this video. Thank you!!
my bnp was 1620 last week. I am only breathless with exertion. I am terrified.
@prestonbutton6493
2 жыл бұрын
God bless you. Mine was 700 + but it happened during pneumonia recovery and now I'm waiting on the cardiologist smh. Breathless w activity and cant sleep w out waking up gasping.
@MzDaUgly
Жыл бұрын
@@prestonbutton6493 i habe the same issue but my BNP was 35 showed diastolic dysfunction. And small perdcarditis effusion small 0.7. Also trace regurgitation like 3 valves im 21 and scared .
@karynita229
Жыл бұрын
I hope you are fine! Did you manage to lower the BNP?
@mossad_agent946
17 күн бұрын
@@MzDaUgly how have you been to this day?
I had a high BNP, got an echocardiogram and had an EF of 45% which apparently is normal. This talk made no mention of an increase in the average BNP with age.
You mentioned treatment for heart failure. Let's say my BNP BMP? and succeeding echo confirm potential for heart failure. Will the echo give enough info for my cardiologist to tell me what treatment I'll probably need? P.S. 1000 thx for taking the time & effort required to explain all these scary topics to us, thereby reducing our fears!
Thank you for another informative video. My husband had an echo a few days ago and was found to have an enlarged left ventricle. The cardiologist was present during the test and said he was very surprised that my husband’s GP said his BNP was normal. You said in the video that this was not impossible so I am wondering how this can happen. I don’t know what the level was as I had never heard of BNP.
Best explanation I have watched. My biggest fear is that I am afraid that I won't be told because I am anxious about my heart because my Dad died really young from heart problems! I t want to know so that my children will be aware of any problems early and might prevent it from occurring later in their lives. --Bonnie Robinson
@YorkCardiology
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your support Bonnie- it would mean a tonne if you’d consider subscribing to the channel. Also I try and do some regular broadcasts via WhatsApp on +44795131008
Fantastic. Please talk about proBNP too. Thanks.
Thank you for helpful videos Dr Sanjay Gupta
That was very informative and helpful. I have had HF for 16 years and they suggested Entresto. Nobidy explained why. Now I understand. Thank you.
Hi there, thank you for posting this video. It was very informative for me. I was just recently diagnosed with pericarditis, coronary artery disease, left left left ventricular, hypertrophy, and having a lot of trouble with extreme fatigue, just walking a short distance is hard. I’ve had swelling in my legs, my feet and ankles for a few years now and I gain 6 pounds in a day.And then urinate very frequently all night. the fluid, pressure on my chest, squeezing and my breathing has gotten really bad, they found out that my both my lung bases have Atelectasis. I am new to this I’m scared, and if you have any advice or know of questions, I can ask my cardiologist that would be fantastic and I would appreciate it very much. I wish you were here and I wish you could be my doctor. Kind regards Luna.
great video very. informative thank you
Thank you Dr. Gupta for all the wonderful infro ...
Thank you for your time and effort to make these important videos for us as layman to understand such information. You are such an amazing doctor.
They put me on Entresto for heart failure but I didn’t respond well so they put me back on my original drugs. That was over a year ago and my condition has much improved. The ICD and meds have helped immensely.
@karynita229
Жыл бұрын
That is good news! Can you please share the drugs that help you? My dad was also prescribed with entresto but didn't respond well.
Excellent clear explanation ! Brilliant !!
Your videos are always so clear and concise. I have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and wondered how this test would work for me. Now i know.
@sam12420
5 жыл бұрын
Wendy M bro do you have normal pulse rate during afib episode?
@WendyMoule
5 жыл бұрын
@@sam12420 no goes fast for a bit then slow for a bit. Roughly 30 seconds to a minute but cycles from fast to slow. I get tachycardia before afib starts. Heavy lifting or lots of bending over set are triggers for tachycardia. Bisoprolol daily helps keep my heart rate slow and has improved my quality of life. Fingers crossed but I've only had one bad episode of 14 hours. Other times hour at most.
My only concern is that it’s important to try to find the drivers of disease and trying to keep BNP from breaking down does not address this. Many hearts are developing dysfunction because of emotional factor , lack of exercise, or bad deficient diets and overall lifestyle
Very interesting and informative, thank you.
HiI was wondering if you could do a video on TakotSubo Cardiomyopathy i had this happen to me and the scariest thing about it was the lack of information and support for the people who have had an episode. There also seems to be differing opinions as to the lasting effects of an episode. I feel more awareness of this condition and information would help those of us who have gone through this. Thankyou so much your channel is really informative.
@riteasrain
5 жыл бұрын
HelenBeee He has a couple of videos on it. Search his channel.
Hi Dr. Gupta! How are you Sir? This is very good information. I'm learning so much and understanding my labs! You are blessing, love you! Thanks again, appreciate you!
Dr.will you ever do a video on the CACS test. Please include the many benefits of this test for people that want to know their score when focused on improving health and lifestyle changes they may want/need. There is NO other testing for a healthy person to find out this information- yet very few cardiologists are spreading the word. Why is that? The public needs to know this test is an option as preventative care before they end up on the CATH table or in open heart- wouldn’t you agree?
Yet again a other fabulous informative video...thanks so much Dr Gupta!.
Great advice doc
Thank you very much I'm going. through. right now. I just found out a couple. of months ago. And I'm going to treat rents and and it's telling me a lot. about my problem. Appreciate it. Keep. it up.
Great! I'm seeing my doctor in 19 days, I will request him to do the BMP test since my ankle and legs have been retaining water though I'm on very high heels every day.
@merlvinc
3 жыл бұрын
Hope you get some good news and some lower heels. --Bonnie Robinson
@wanguirhods265
3 жыл бұрын
@@merlvinc 😀 my doctor changed my medicine, the swelling stopped but my heart is now weaker than before. Having MRI in a couple of days 🙏
Again, YOU are the best
Just love and it helped me understand my dads BNP of 1900s.. BUN 70. Cr1.3he had recent MI jn April 22 and went through everything and finally home.. after 4 months.. 82 ur old.. I was so worried but u made me feel and better He is symptomatic lately with sob with exacerbation. O2 remains 95-100%RA,, v weak had some virus or aspiration issue and on abo Lined up for interesta soon as you mentioned was a doer and never in any meds, very independent and no no patience and wants to do it all.. Any suggestions
Terrific explanation regarding BNP. Love you Dr. Gupta
Thanks brother ☺️
Wonder if they do these test here in the USA ? I have not heard of them....and I know a few people who does have heart issues !!! Great video
I thing Cov!d damaged my heart. I want to do a echo heart ultrasound and specific blood test for heart to check but my PC won't let me.
Very informative video. Thank you Doctor. You explain things very clearly.
My dad had congestive heart failure. He had a pace maker put in,as well as a pig valve . He ended up committing suicide not too long after his procedures. Is there any link between congestive heart failure,depression and suicide?
@merlvinc
3 жыл бұрын
Suzanne, I am so sorry to read your story. You have gone through so much. I lost my dad too, it is horrible to go through! May God bless you to find some peace. --Bonnie Robinson
@BrixxFF
3 жыл бұрын
Kkkkkk
Very informative doc,thank u
Omg you are a earth angel. I was stressing about having a stess test. I'm Too weak with my CFS, EDS, OR (LOL) DYSAUTONOMIA.
Thank you so much for your information
BNP you learn everyday Thank you again Doctor
Yes I just got this test. Thank god it was very low (good). So glad I can order my own blood tests now.
Great video, Thank You!
Thank you Doctor for this Educational video 👍💯👍💯👍💯👍💯👍💯👍
Very good !!!
Excellent presentation
God bless you , doctor
Looking for your discussion/video on CAC Calcium scans and score
Thank you Dr for health tips well explained God bless you .
Good morning Dr Gupta. My husband died last year 16th aug. And I would say to him u should not be fitting doors. Welding his discovery, for mot. All the hard work he was doing. I said you have 💓 failure, and lung disease, injections for macular degeneration. All because he was a smoker all his life. He was so strong and would still be with us had he 🐝 n able to stop smoking, I would like to say that I personally think vaping and electronic things are going to be worse than cigarettes. It's all just so very sad for the young people of today. Love listening to you. And wish l could turn back the clock. XXX
@SproutyPottedPlant
5 жыл бұрын
VG, PG and flavouring, not worse!
@SuperGuanine
4 жыл бұрын
hi -- i am sorry for your loss. i know that you will be thinking about him for a long time. and i hope that eventually you'll be able to enjoy thinking about the fun times you and he had together.
@wendygreenwood1698
4 жыл бұрын
@@SuperGuanine thank you so much. Awful time, and just 3 days after the first anniversary. My lovely son passed away. Age 72 and my son was 42. So still in shock as we don't know what happened. He also smoked. XXX
Thank you. Very interesting.