What BNP level indicates moderate heart failure?

A B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 300-600 pg/mL is generally indicative of moderate heart failure. BNP is a hormone produced by the heart in response to excessive stretching of heart muscle cells, which is often due to heart failure. It serves as a useful biomarker in assessing the severity of heart failure and guiding treatment.

The levels are interpreted as follows: a BNP level less than 100 pg/mL typically suggests no heart failure, while levels between 100-300 pg/mL may indicate possible heart failure, but not necessarily moderate heart failure. When the BNP levels reach 300 pg/mL and higher, it indicates the presence of heart failure, and as the levels increase further into the range of 300-600 pg/mL, it signifies a moderate degree of heart failure. Levels above this, such as 600 pg/mL and beyond, are associated with more severe cases of heart failure. Thus, a BNP level of 300-600 provides a clearer indication of moderate heart failure than levels that fall below or significantly exceed this range.