What do ANF and BNP levels indicate together?

ANF, or Atrial Natriuretic Factor, and BNP, or B-type Natriuretic Peptide, are both markers used to assess heart function and fluid status in the body, particularly in relation to heart failure. Elevated levels of these peptides indicate that the heart is under stress and not functioning optimally, which is commonly seen in Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).

In CHF, the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to increased pressures in the heart and vascular system. This stress prompts the release of ANF and BNP as a compensatory mechanism, which serves to reduce fluid volume and lower blood pressure through diuresis (increased urine output) and vasodilation. When interpreting elevated levels of both ANF and BNP together, it strongly points to the presence of heart failure, as these peptides specifically respond to the fluid overload and mechanical strain associated with CHF.