Brooksby Medical
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Heart and Brain Health

Heart strain

Brooksby Medical test kit

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 £104
Buy now
Free tracked deliveryResults in 2–3 working daysConvenient testing optionsActionable next stepsDoctor-written reportAccredited UK labsCQC registered
On selected tests

A doctor-written report.

Doctor-written reports and free doctor consultations on selected tests.

  • Your blood test — processed by a UKAS-accredited UK laboratory.
  • A doctor-written report — your results reviewed personally by Dr James Coleman, a practising GMC-registered GP, and explained in plain English.
  • Clear next steps — what your results may mean, and what to do next where appropriate.
  • Optional GP appointment — want to talk it through? You can book a private appointment to discuss your results.
Order my Heart strain — £104
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
  • Doctor-reviewed report
  • Free tracked delivery
  • Results in 2–3 working days
  • Actionable next steps
How would you like your sample taken?
Most popular
Self-arrange a professional sample collection
Venous collection kit posted to your door. Take it to your own phlebotomist or nurse, then return the sample in the prepaid envelope.
Included
Book a venous draw at home with a nurse
A qualified phlebotomist comes to you at a time that suits.
+£65
Book a venous draw at a clinic
70+ UK locations (Superdrug). Professional venous draw in about 10 minutes.
+£40
Total£104
We accept
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 is dispatched and on its way to you.

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 doctor-written report

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

5

Follow-up if you need it

If anything in your report needs discussing, you can request a follow-up with our GP from your account — free, and entirely optional.

You get an explanation, not just a number

Your results, explained in 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

🩺

Written interpretation, not a PDF

Your results come with Dr Coleman's written interpretation — what each marker means and what to do about it, in plain English.

📝

doctor-written report included

Every report is written by Dr Coleman, a practising GP — not auto-generated and not outsourced.

👤

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

Is my report reviewed by a doctor?

Yes. Every Brooksby test comes with a written report from Dr James Coleman, a practising GMC-registered GP, who personally reviews your results in the context of your symptoms and explains what each marker means and what to do next. If anything in your report needs discussing, you can request an optional free follow-up from your account — though many people are happy with the written report alone.

How accurate are the results?

All samples are processed in UKAS-accredited UK laboratories — the same accreditation standard used by hospital laboratories. 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 doctor.

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 →
Still have questions?

Drop us a message — a real person will reply.

We usually get back within one working day. Anything you want to ask before ordering — collection, what's included, fasting, your report, results timing — go ahead.

Your message goes to enquiries@brooksbymedical.com. We'll reply by email — usually within one working day.

From £104 · Doctor-written report included · Results in 2–3 working days

Ready to order?

A simple sample, a UKAS-accredited lab, and a doctor-written report personally interpreted by Dr Coleman.

Order my Heart strain →