NT-proBNP, or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, is a substance produced primarily by the heart. It is released in response to changes in pressure inside the heart, specifically when the heart muscle walls are stretched. The ventricles of the heart secrete a prohormone called proBNP, which is then cleaved into two fragments: the active hormone BNP and the inactive NT-proBNP. While BNP is the active hormone, NT-proBNP is a more stable molecule with a longer half-life, making it a reliable indicator in clinical assessments. Its measurement provides insights into cardiac function and the state of the heart's muscle walls.
NT-proBNP
Cardiac strain marker.