What i being tested?
The Cardio IQ® NT ProBNP test measures the level of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a hormone that is released by the heart in response to stress and strain. It is used to help diagnose heart failure and assess the severity of the condition.
Reference Range
The Cardio IQ® NT ProBNP test measures the level of NT-proBNP in the blood, which is a protein produced by the heart. The optimal and high risk categories for male and female patients are as follows:
Male Risk:
Optimal: less than 253 pg/mL
High: greater than or equal to 253 pg/mL
Female Risk:
Optimal: less than 372 pg/mL
High: greater than or equal to 372 pg/mL
For patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), the optimal risk category cut points for incident heart failure (HF) or cardiovascular disease (CVD) death are less than 253 pg/mL for men and less than 372 pg/mL for women, based on a study by Omland et al. published in JACC in 2007.
For patients with existing HF, the optimal risk category cut point for HF progression is less than 300 pg/mL, based on a study by Shah et al. published in Clin Biochem in 2010.
The HF diagnosis cut points in dyspneic patients are based on a study by Januzzi et al. published in Eur Heart J in 2006. For patients under 50 years old, a level less than 300 pg/mL makes HF unlikely and a level greater than or equal to 450 pg/mL indicates a high probability of HF. For patients between 50 and 75 years old, a level less than 300 pg/mL makes HF unlikely and a level greater than or equal to 900 pg/mL indicates a high probability of HF. For patients over 75 years old, a level less than 300 pg/mL makes HF unlikely and a level greater than or equal to 1800 pg/mL indicates a high probability of HF.
Test Description
Why should you get a CARDIO IQ® NT PROBNP BLOOD TEST?
This blood test is used to measure the level of a hormone called NT-proBNP, which is produced by the heart in response to stress and can indicate the presence of heart failure.
Getting this test can help identify heart failure early on, which is important because early treatment can help prevent further damage to the heart and improve your quality of life. This test can also be used to monitor the progress of heart failure treatment and to assess the risk of heart failure in individuals with a history of heart disease.
What happens if you don't get a CARDIO IQ® NT PROBNP BLOOD TEST?
If you don't get a CARDIO IQ® NT PROBNP BLOOD TEST when you are experiencing symptoms of heart failure, you run the risk of allowing the condition to progress unchecked. This can lead to complications such as kidney damage, liver damage, and even death.
What will you find out from a CARDIO IQ® NT PROBNP BLOOD TEST?
The CARDIO IQ® NT PROBNP BLOOD TEST will measure the level of NT-proBNP in your blood. High levels of this hormone can indicate the presence of heart failure, while low levels can indicate that you are at low risk for heart failure.
What can you do with the information from a CARDIO IQ® NT PROBNP BLOOD TEST?
If the results of your CARDIO IQ® NT PROBNP BLOOD TEST indicate that you have heart failure, your doctor can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, and/or surgery. With early detection and treatment, you can manage your condition and improve your quality of life.