Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Definition

Atrial natriuretic peptide is a hormone secreted by the heart's atria that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. It lowers blood pressure by causing the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water, thus reducing blood volume.

Related terms

Hypertension: A condition characterized by persistently high arterial blood pressure, which can be influenced by factors such as insufficient ANP activity.

Diuresis: The increased production of urine by the kidneys, often induced by substances like ANP to reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure.

Sodium Homeostasis: The regulation of sodium ions concentration in the bloodstream, crucial for controlling blood volume and pressure, with which ANP is directly involved