Natriuretic Peptides

 Natriuretic peptides are neuroendocrine peptides that are used to identify clients with heart failure. There are three major peptides:

• atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) synthesized in cardiac ventricle muscle,
• brain natriuretic peptides (BNP)  synthesized in the cardiac ventricle muscle
• C-type natriuretic peptides (CNP) synthesized by endothelial cells.

BNP is the primary marker for identifying heart failure as the cause of dyspnea. The higher the BNP level, the more severe the heart failure. If the BNP level is elevated, dyspnea is due to heart failure; if it is normal, the dyspnea is due to a pulmonary problem.

Normal Lab Values for Natriuretic Peptics

• Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP): 22 to 27 pg/mL
• Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP): less than 100 pg/mL
• C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP): reference range provided with results should be reviewed

Nursing Considerations

• Fasting is not required.