In other cases, heart valve disease is to blame. Less often, various heart muscle diseases cardiomyopathies are responsible; in men, their chief causes include viral infections, alcohol abuse, excessively high iron levels, and certain genetic disorders.
The heart's job is to collect blood from the veins, then pump it through the arteries to all the body's tissues. In CHF, the weakened pump is not up to the task; the tissues don't get all the oxygen-rich blood they need, and blood backs up in the lungs and then the veins.
The lack of sufficient tissue oxygen makes people with congestive heart failure feel weak and tired. Muscle function suffers, making it hard to get around.
Kidney function is also impaired, sometimes permanently, adding to the fatigue and complicating treatment. Deprived of its full complement of blood, the brain can slow down along with the rest of the body, producing lethargy, confusion, and even grogginess. The backup of blood produces even more symptoms; it's what puts the congestion in congestive heart failure.
Shortness of breath is a prime complaint. At first, it occurs only during physical exertion, but advanced CHF makes breathing a chore even at rest. Patients with congestive heart failure often need to sleep on extra pillows because they get terribly winded if they lie flat; they can even be awakened by shortness of breath so severe that they have to sit bolt upright. Wheezing and coughing are also among the congestive symptoms of CHF, and the wet lungs are unusually susceptible to pneumonia.
Worst of all is acute pulmonary edema, a critical shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs that requires immediate treatment. As fluid builds up, it can accumulate elsewhere in the body. Because gravity draws fluid downward, the feet and legs often become puffy during the day, only to slim down in bed at night.
In addition, the abdomen may become bloated, and fluid in the liver can cause damage that may be permanent cardiac cirrhosis. Fluid can also accumulate in the scrotum and penis, producing swelling that can be substantial. Urinary symptoms are common in CHF, and they may confuse older men who also have symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH. In severe CHF, though, urine output is diminished both day and night.
Experts agree there is a healthy range for BNP levels. However, these values can vary by age, so people should always discuss their results with their doctor. It is also important to note that some tests can result in falsely low levels, which might indicate normal values of BNP when a person, in fact, does have heart failure.
These include :. Ultimately, many factors can affect BNP levels. They will also consider their overall health and whether or not they have any symptoms. Doctors typically use the BNP test as an indicator of whether a person is experiencing heart failure. If the test shows low or normal levels of BNP, they may rule out the possibility of this condition. Examples of these tests include:. A person can learn how to lower their BNP levels, which they can achieve through various lifestyle changes, including :.
The BNP is one of a family of blood tests that measure levels of brain natriuretic peptide in the blood. It is one of several tests that doctors may use to help diagnose heart failure.
People should speak with a healthcare professional if they have questions or concerns about their BNP test results. You may also need this test so that your healthcare provider can see how well your heart failure therapy is working. You may have a blood test called atrial natriuretic peptide ANP. You may also have other blood tests, a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram, or an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart. Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things.
Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. In general, the more serious your heart failure, the higher your levels of BNP will be.
But test results vary by age, sex, and body mass index. Normal values tend to go up with age. They also tend to be higher in women and lower in men. Both men and women who are obese tend to have lower levels. Discover 28 ways to power up, wind down, and have fun — all in the name of a healthy heart. Work these heart-healthy habits into your lifestyle.
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BNP blood test results explained.
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