Natriuretic peptides

Natriuretic peptides are hormones produced by your heart and blood vessels that help regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and salt levels in your body. When the heart senses excess blood volume or increased pressure, it releases these peptides. They work by causing your kidneys to excrete more salt and water, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload on your heart. Doctors often measure levels of these peptides to assess heart failure or other heart conditions, as elevated levels can indicate the heart is under stress or struggling to function properly.