NT-proBNP (Heart Failure Marker)
Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
2
Duration
15 min
Results
48 hours
N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for heart failure assessment.
Cardiac biomarker tests measure proteins and enzymes released by the heart that indicate cardiac stress, damage, or dysfunction. Troponin is the gold standard for detecting heart muscle damage and is the primary test used to diagnose heart attacks. BNP and NT-proBNP are markers of cardiac strain — elevated levels indicate the heart is working harder than normal, often due to heart failure. Advanced cardiac panels may also include Lp(a), ApoB, and hsCRP — markers that predict long-term cardiovascular risk beyond standard cholesterol testing. These tests help distinguish cardiac from non-cardiac causes of chest pain and shortness of breath.
Key Details
- Biomarkers
- Cardiac-specific markers
- Fasting Required
- No (unless combined with lipid panel)
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Turnaround
- Same day to 48 hours
- Common Use
- Cardiac risk assessment, heart failure monitoring
Who Is This For?
Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. People with known heart conditions being monitored. Those with a strong family history of heart disease wanting advanced risk assessment. Health-conscious individuals wanting cardiac-specific markers as part of their preventive protocol.
What's Included
Preparation Required
No fasting required for cardiac markers. If combined with a lipid panel, fasting 10–12 hours is recommended. Inform your provider if you've had recent intense exercise, as this can temporarily elevate troponin levels.
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Duration
- 15 min
- Results
- 48 hours