Pro BNP Test to Detect Heart Disease-When Is It Necessary

https://thehormonelab.com/handbook/other-endocrine/probnp-canine-cardiac-marker

When at the vet, should you get a blood test to test for heart disease in a cat (or dog) if you do not know if a cat has HCM? The ProBnP test looks at and measures a protein that is released when there is damage to the heart. This is a test that would need to be repeated any time you thought the cat had HCM or issues with the heart. I would recommend that you save the money and see a cardiologist instead. Of course, the ultrasound is more expensive and may take time to get an appointment.  AND it also would need to be repeated if you suspected the cat had heart issues later on. AND if the cat is positive with ProBnP, you still need to see the cardiologist immediately. 

Only a cardiac ultrasound can tell you if the cat has any heart issues. Of course, even the ultrasound would need to be repeated if you suspected the cat had heart issues. 

If your cat is presenting with signs of HCM-such as CHF (congestive heart failure)-and XRAYS show the cat is congested, skip the Pro BnP test, treat the CHF with diuretics, treat any other symptoms (rapid heart rate, a need for oxygen, rear leg lameness [likely a clot or injury] etc.) THEN make an appointment to see a cardiologist as soon as possible to get an ultrasound-the ONLY true test for heart disease that will also tell you exactly what is wrong with the heart, and guide the vet as to treatment. 

Seeing a cardiologist early-as a young cat-gives you a good baseline reading of the heart. Seeing a cardiologist annually if the cat has a heart murmur will allow you to know what is the cause of the murmur, if it needs treatment, and catch if HCM does develop. Other issues with the heart may arise-as the cat ages because the heart ages there may be heart disease; or if the cat gets CKD-kidney disease-which damages the heart; or if they have thyroid disease or other diseases or cancer, all which stress or damage the heart in their way. A cardiac ultrasound in all of these cases will be the only way to see what is wrong with the heart. No need for the ProBnP.