[6] BNP was first discovered in porcine brain tissue in 1988, which led to its initial naming as "brain natriuretic peptide", although subsequent research revealed that BNP is primarily produced and secreted by the ventricular myocardium (heart muscle) in response to increased ventricular blood volume and stretching.

The physiologic actions of BNP are similar to those of ANP and include decrease in systemic vascular resistance and central venous pressure as well as an increase in natriuresis.

[13] Relaxes vascular smooth muscle in arterioles and venules by: Promotes uterine spiral artery remodeling, which is important for preventing pregnancy-induced hypertension.

This so-called gray zone has been addressed in several studies, and using clinical history or other available simple tools can help make the diagnosis.

[26][27] BNP has been suggested as a predictor for a variety of medical states, including cardiovascular mortality in diabetics[28] and cardiac impairment in cancer patients.

[32] It has been shown that combining BNP with other tools like impedance cardiography (ICG) can improve early diagnosis of heart failure and advance prevention strategies.

[33][34] Utility of BNP has also been explored in various settings like preeclampsia, intensive care, shock and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

[45] Blockade of neprilysin, a protease known to degrade members of the natriuretic peptide family, has also been suggested as a possible treatment for heart failure.