BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone secreted by the ventricles of the heart in response to increased ventricular pressure or stretching. It is mainly produced in the cardiac muscle cells and acts as a natural defense mechanism against heart failure. BNP belongs to the natriuretic peptide family, which also includes atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP).
BNP helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. When the heart is under stress or excessive strain, such as in conditions like heart failure or ventricular hypertrophy, BNP is released into the bloodstream. Its main function is to promote vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow and reduced pressure on the heart. Additionally, BNP inhibits the release of renin, a hormone that increases blood pressure, and it promotes sodium and water excretion through the kidneys, further aiding in reducing fluid volume.
Due to its physiological role, BNP has become a useful diagnostic marker for heart-related conditions. Elevated levels of BNP in the blood can indicate heart failure, as the heart is working harder to maintain adequate blood flow and pressure. BNP levels are commonly measured using blood tests and can help clinicians in assessing the severity of heart failure, monitoring response to treatment, and predicting outcomes.
In summary, brain natriuretic peptide is a cardiac hormone that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in response to increased ventricular pressure. Its release helps relieve strain on the heart and serves as a diagnostic marker for heart failure and related conditions.
Common Misspellings for BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE
- vrain natriuretic peptide
- nrain natriuretic peptide
- hrain natriuretic peptide
- grain natriuretic peptide
- beain natriuretic peptide
- bdain natriuretic peptide
- bfain natriuretic peptide
- btain natriuretic peptide
- b5ain natriuretic peptide
- b4ain natriuretic peptide
- brzin natriuretic peptide
- brsin natriuretic peptide
- brwin natriuretic peptide
- brqin natriuretic peptide
- braun natriuretic peptide
- brajn natriuretic peptide
- brakn natriuretic peptide
- braon natriuretic peptide
- bra9n natriuretic peptide
- bra8n natriuretic peptide
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