Understanding Your Cat’s proBNP Test
(What it means and what happens next)
Your cat’s proBNP test helps us screen for heart disease by measuring a protein released when the heart muscle is stretched or strained. A high level means the heart may be under stress — it doesn’t always mean disease, but it’s important to check further.
What a High proBNP Means
A high reading can happen due to:
- Early or hidden heart disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Other illnesses affecting the heart
- Kidney disease
Anxiety or stress during a vet visit do not increase proBNP levels. This test measures heart muscle strain, not stress hormones.
Our Follow-Up Plan for Cats
Normal range: 0–100
Mildly elevated: 100–150 → monitor and recheck as advised
Over 150:
- We will perform chest X-rays to evaluate the size and shape of the heart.
- If the heart looks enlarged or abnormal, we may recommend starting heart medication.
- If the X-rays are normal, we will check your cat’s blood pressure, since hypertension can elevate proBNP.
Summary for Cats
- 0–100: Normal
- 100–150: Borderline — recheck as directed
- Over 150: Chest X-rays → medication if abnormal → blood pressure if normal
- Stress doesn’t raise proBNP — this test reflects true heart strain.
If you have any additional questions, please call us at 319-277-7675 or email us at [email protected]. We would be happy to assist you.