B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Unit Converter

BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) is a hormone released by the heart when it is stretched or working harder than normal. Despite its original name "brain natriuretic peptide" (it was first discovered in brain tissue), BNP is primarily produced by the ventricles of the heart.

BNP works alongside atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. It signals the kidneys to excrete excess salt and water and causes blood vessels to relax, reducing the workload on the heart.

A normal BNP level is generally below 100 pg/mL. Levels above this threshold may indicate heart failure or other conditions that place strain on the heart.

Produced primarily by ventricular muscle cells of the heart in response to stretching and volume overload. BNP is cleaved from a larger precursor protein (proBNP) by the enzyme corin, releasing both active BNP and the inactive fragment NT-proBNP into the bloodstream.