atrial natriuretic peptide

hormone

Also known as: ANP

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a hormone secreted by the atria of the heart. It is released in response to increased atrial pressure, such as during heart failure. ANP promotes the excretion of salt and water by the kidneys and lowers blood pressure. This action helps to reduce extracellular fluid volume and restore atrial pressure to normal levels. ANP is also known as atrial natriuretic factor.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

renal system
The role of hormones in renal function
This hormone, called atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), exerts a vasodilator effect on the kidney and also reduces tubular reabsorption of sodium. Both actions result in increased urinary elimination of salt and water and tend to restore atrial pressure toward the normal. It is probably an important hormone controlling…
Read More
This hormone, called atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), exerts a vasodilator effect on the kidney and also reduces tubular reabsorption of sodium. Both actions result in increased urinary elimination of salt and water and tend to restore atrial pressure toward the normal. It is probably an important hormone controlling…
Read More