Hypertensive heart disease is a condition where chronic high blood pressure causes structural and functional changes to the heart, including thickening of the heart muscle and chamber enlargement. It is caused by persistent elevated blood pressure that forces the heart to work harder to pump blood against increased resistance in the arteries. The B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) test is the most important blood test for assessing heart strain and monitoring the progression of hypertensive heart disease.
90-day money-back guarantee
Lab order in minutes
Save a trip to the doctor
Low prices since 2005
Labs within 2 miles
Hypertensive heart disease is caused by chronic high blood pressure that persists over months or years, forcing the heart to pump against increased resistance in the arteries. When blood pressure remains elevated, the heart muscle must work harder to circulate blood throughout the body, leading to compensatory changes such as left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber), chamber enlargement, and eventual weakening of the heart muscle. Over time, these structural changes can impair the heart's ability to pump effectively, potentially leading to heart failure and other serious cardiovascular complications.
The B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) blood test is the most important laboratory test for assessing hypertensive heart disease because it directly measures the level of stress and strain on your heart. BNP is a hormone released by the heart ventricles when they are stretched or overworked due to the increased pressure from hypertension. Elevated BNP levels indicate that your heart is working harder than normal and can help detect early signs of heart failure before symptoms become severe. This test is valuable for monitoring disease progression, evaluating how well your treatment is working, and guiding adjustments to medications. While blood pressure measurements and imaging studies like echocardiograms remain essential for diagnosis, the BNP test provides crucial biochemical evidence of cardiac stress.
You should get tested if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, swelling in your legs or ankles, or difficulty exercising like you used to. Testing is also important if you have had poorly controlled blood pressure for several years, even without obvious symptoms, as heart damage can occur silently. If you notice chest discomfort, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or increasing difficulty breathing during normal activities, these are urgent signs that warrant immediate testing. Regular BNP monitoring is especially important for anyone with long-standing hypertension to catch heart complications early when they are most treatable.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
What this means
Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.
Recommended actions
Increase resistance or strength training
Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep per night, try to reduce stress
Include more zinc- and magnesium-rich foods (like shellfish, beef, pumpkin seeds, spinach)
Consider retesting in 3–6 months
Not overhyped or overpriced. Just comprehensive blood testing made simple and for everyone.
505 reviews
Sample results
Your 24/7 Lab Guide
Quick questions:
