Heart Disease: Not just about Cholesterol!

Physionic

Feb 19, 2026

Episode description

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0:00 - Introduction
0:53 - Hormone and a Cry for Help
2:52 - Testing
3:57 - Tracking the Hormone
6:12 - Protecting Against Heart Failure
8:25 - Who should and shouldn't test?

References
*Funding/Conflicts are provides in the free article (found in email list or Physionic Community Article Library)

[Study 618] Berry JD, Nambi V, Ambrosius WT, et al. Associations of High-Sensitivity Troponin and Natriuretic Peptide Levels With Outcomes After Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering: Findings From the SPRINT Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Cardiol. 2021;6(12):1397-1405. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2021.3187

[Study 619] Ledwidge M, Gallagher J, Conlon C, et al. Natriuretic peptide–based screening and collaborative care for heart failure: the STOP-HF randomized trial. JAMA. 2013;310(1):66-74.

[Study 621] The ALLHAT Officers and Coordinators for the ALLHAT Collaborative Research Group. Major outcomes in high-risk hypertensive patients randomized to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or calcium channel blocker vs diuretic: the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). JAMA. 2002;288:2981-2997

[Study 622] Kostis JB, Davis BR, Cutler J, Grimm RH Jr, Berge KG, Cohen JD, et al. Prevention of heart failure by antihypertensive drug treatment in older persons with isolated systolic hypertension. JAMA. 1997;278:212-216.

[Study 623] Canty JM Jr. Myocardial injury, troponin release, and cardiomyocyte death in brief ischemia, failure, and ventricular remodeling. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2022;323:H1-H15. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00093.2022.

[Study 624] Tsutsui H, Albert NM, Coats AJS, et al. Natriuretic peptides: role in the diagnosis and management of heart failure: a scientific statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, Heart Failure Society of America and Japanese Heart Failure Society. J Card Fail. 2023;29(5):787-804. doi:10.1016/j.cardfail.2023.02.009.

[Study 625] Hussain A, Sun W, Deswal A, de Lemos JA, McEvoy JW, Hoogeveen RC, et al. Association of NT-proBNP, blood pressure, and cardiovascular events: the ARIC Study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021;77(5):559-571. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2020.11.063

[Study 626] Wang TJ, Larson MG, Levy D, et al. Plasma natriuretic peptide levels and the risk of cardiovascular events and death. N Engl J Med. 2004;350(7):655-663. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa031994

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Disclaimer: None of the information provided by this brand is a replacement for your physician's advice. This brand is information for the sake of knowledge and the options of choice it provides, not in any way a personalized prescription. Please consult your physician before making any health related changes.

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Limit BNP test to individuals with diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure

The BNP test is most useful for people with type 2 diabetes, long-term obesity, or high blood pressure, and is likely unnecessary for otherwise healthy individuals.

#blood-pressure

#testing

Monitor BNP levels to predict heart failure risk

Even in people without current heart failure, as BNP levels rise in a stepwise fashion, the future risk of developing the condition also increases.

#heart

#risk

Consider BNP testing for endurance athletes' heart health

Healthy, ultra-long-distance athletes are one group that may benefit from considering a BNP test due to the high stress placed on their hearts.

#heart

#testing

Monitor BNP levels to assess heart failure risk

For people without heart failure, a high-risk BNP level can be as low as above 15.8 pg/mL for women and 12.8 pg/mL for men.

#heart

#risk

Lower blood pressure to reduce BNP levels

A primary cause for elevated BNP is the stress from high blood pressure pushing against the heart wall, which can be mitigated by lowering blood pressure.

#blood-pressure

#heart

Know your BNP levels to lower cardiovascular risk

Studies show that when physicians are aware of their patient's BNP levels, it leads to better healthcare and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events.

#blood-test

#risk

Monitor BNP hormone as heart's stress indicator

Your heart secretes a hormone called BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) as a 'check engine light' when it experiences stress, signaling a problem before it becomes severe.