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Heart and Brain Health

Heart strain

Breathlessness, swollen ankles, or unexplained fatigue during activity can sometimes point to the heart working harder than it should. This test measures NT-proBNP — a sensitive marker of cardiac strain — giving you clear answers and recommended actions to take.

From £104Doctor's report included · Same-day dispatch
Choose how to take my sample
✓ CQC registered✓ Results in 2–3 working days✓ GP-written report✓ UKAS-accredited UK lab
Order your test

Choose how you'd like your sample taken

Pick the option that suits you. The test is the same — only the way we collect your sample changes.

Heart strain
Total
£104
One-off purchase. Doctor's report included.
  • GP-written interpretation by Dr James Coleman
  • UKAS-accredited UK laboratory
  • Results in 2–3 working days
How would you like your sample taken?
Most popular
Arrange your own blood draw
Venous collection kit posted to your door. Take it to your own phlebotomist or nurse, then return the sample in the prepaid envelope.
Included
Home nurse visit
A qualified phlebotomist comes to you at a time that suits.
+£65
Partner clinic (Superdrug)
70+ UK locations. Professional venous blood draw in about 10 minutes.
+£40
Total£104

No subscription. No hidden fees. Same-day dispatch. Ordering more than one test? Place each order separately — each one ships as its own kit with its own doctor's report.

What happens after you order
1
Kit arrives in 1–2 days. Plain box, no branding.
2
Give your sample. Take the kit to any phlebotomist or nurse, then post the sample back in the prepaid envelope.
3
Results in 2–3 working days. Dr Coleman sends a plain-English report.
✓
If your result flags anything, Dr Coleman will tell you exactly what it means and what to do next.
✓ Plain box, no branding✓ Results stay private✓ Same-day dispatch✓ No referral needed✓ Doctor's report included✓ CQC registered
Heart strain £104Doctor's report in 2–3 days
Order
Dr James Coleman
Your doctor

Dr James Coleman

BSc, MB ChB, MRCGP · Practising GP · Founder, Brooksby Medical
“Every Brooksby report is written personally. You get a plain-English interpretation and a clear next step — not just numbers on a page.”
How it works

Simple from start to finish

1

Order your test

Choose online in minutes. Your kit ships the same working day.

2

Collect your sample

Venous collection

3

Post it back

Drop your pre-paid, tracked envelope in any postbox. We take it from there.

4

Your GP-written report

Reviewed by a practising GP. Delivered to your secure portal within 2–3 working days.

5

Book your doctor review

Receive a link to book a private call with your doctor to discuss your results and the next steps that make sense for you.

You get an explanation, not just a number

Every result comes with a written report

Brooksby MedicalDoctor Reviewed
Dr J. Coleman has reviewed your Heart strain. Your report explains what each marker means and what (if anything) would make sense to do next.
✓ Result reviewed
NT-ProBNP
—your value
Doctor's note: Your actual report includes a personal interpretation of every marker. If anything sits outside the reference range, we tell you clearly what it means and what — if anything — to do about it.
Illustrative example. Your report will show real values and commentary.
What's measured

What you actually get in this test

1 marker analysed by a UKAS-accredited UK laboratory.

✓NT-ProBNP
Why Brooksby

A GP-led service, not a lab with a website

📝

GP-written report included

Every report is written by Dr Coleman, a practising GP. No extra charge.

👤

A named doctor, not a team

Your report is signed by Dr Coleman personally. Not an anonymous review pool.

🔬

UKAS-accredited UK lab

Same accreditation standard used by NHS hospitals. Consistent, reliable analysis.

💳

One-off, no subscription

You order the test, you get the report, you own the data. No ongoing fees.

Common questions

Everything you need to know before ordering your Heart strain.

What is NT-proBNP?

NT-proBNP is a protein released by heart muscle cells when the heart is under strain. Higher levels indicate the heart is working harder than normal. It is one of the most sensitive markers available for detecting early cardiac stress, even before symptoms become obvious.

Who should consider this test?

This test is useful for:

  • Anyone experiencing unexplained breathlessness, particularly on exertion

  • Those with swollen ankles or unexplained fluid retention

  • People with a family history of heart failure

  • Anyone with high blood pressure who wants to check cardiac health

Do I need to fast or prepare in any special way?

No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before this test. No special preparation is needed.

What do the results mean?

NT-proBNP levels are reported in pg/mL. Normal levels make significant heart strain very unlikely. Elevated levels suggest the heart may be under increased workload and warrant further investigation, which your GP report will explain clearly. Other factors such as age, kidney function and obesity can also influence levels.

How will I receive my results?

Secure online results with a GP-written explanation from Brooksby Medical in 2 to 3 working days.

More about Brooksby

How accurate are the results?

All samples are processed in UKAS-accredited UK laboratories — the same accreditation standard used by NHS hospitals. Your results are then personally reviewed by a qualified GP before your report is issued.

Who writes the reports?

Every report is written by Dr James Coleman, an experienced, GMC-registered GP — not generated by AI or written by non-medical staff.

How long do results take?

Most reports are ready within 2–3 working days of your sample arriving at the lab. You will receive an email when your report is ready in your secure portal.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can order directly without a referral. Brooksby Medical is a CQC-registered service, and every result is reviewed by a practising GP.

Can I share my results with my NHS GP?

Absolutely. Your report is designed to be shared with any healthcare professional. Many of our patients bring their Brooksby report to their NHS GP appointment for further discussion.

What happens if something is abnormal?

Your doctor-written report will flag any abnormal results with clear explanations and recommended next steps. For significantly abnormal results, we'll contact you directly.

What is the difference between venous and fingerprick?

Fingerprick tests use a small lancet to collect drops of blood at home. Venous tests are drawn from a vein by a nurse or phlebotomist. Each test page specifies which is required.

Is my data kept private?

Yes. All data is handled in accordance with UK GDPR. Packaging is plain with no indication of contents. Results are sent securely to you only, not shared or sold.
The Briefing

Learn more in The Briefing

GP-written articles on the conditions and markers behind tests like this one — published in Brooksby Medical's editorial section.

Browse The Briefing →
From £104 · Results in 2–3 working days

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A simple sample, a UKAS-accredited lab, a GP-written report with clear next steps.

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