ProBNP or Echocardiograms

Let's talk ProBNP Vs. Echocardiograms

I see a lot of breeders using proBNP test vs. Echocardiograms.

What does a proBNP tell you?

A BNP test or NT-proBNP test detects HEART FAILURE by measuring the amount of BNP or its prohormone NT-proBNP in the bloodstream, respectively. High levels of BNP or NT-proBNP are a sign that the heart has to work too hard to pump blood.

The universal definition of heart failure states that NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) ≥125 pg/mL is corroborating evidence of heart failure.

It only measures positives, not negatives. By the time you get a positive, your cat is already in heart failure.

Echocardiograms marked regional or global LV wall thickening, severely enlarged papillary muscles, SAM, end-systolic cavity obliteration and moderate to severe LA enlargement are hallmark findings of HCM.

Having severe papillary muscle hypertrophy, a markedly thickened LV wall (7 to 10 mm), and often, but certainly not always, an enlarged left atrium. The hypertrophy can be global, affecting all areas of the LV wall or can be more regional. Because it can be regional, HCM is a diagnosis that should be made by examining several different two-dimensional echocardiographic views and measuring wall thickness in diastole from the thickest region or regions. M-mode echocardiography may miss regional thickening unless it is guided by the two-dimensional view, and so should never be used without two-dimensional guidance. This gives you the big picture.

Using echocardiography for HCM screening is the gold standard!

You will often hear me refer to this as fractions. You're goal as a breeder should to have a cat with no change in fractions (measurements).

SoulShine will NOT be using proBNP but vow to stay on top of yearly echogram testing! This ensuring that we bless you with a genetically sound kitten. We love healthy hearts 💕!

Pictured Loki with his big sister Messiah ❤️