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Atrial Natriuretic Peptide

Meaning

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) is a potent, protein-based hormone secreted primarily by the cardiac atria, functioning as a key regulator of body fluid and electrolyte balance. This cardiac hormone is integral to the endocrine function of the heart, acting as a natural counter-regulatory mechanism to systems that raise blood pressure. Clinically, elevated ANP levels can serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for acute stages of heart failure, reflecting the degree of atrial stretch. ANP is also known by several aliases, including Atrial Natriuretic Factor and Atriopeptin.