Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) promotes: vasodilation. water retention. decreased urination. increased blood pressure.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a hormone produced by the heart that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Its primary function is actually to promote vasodilation, helping to lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels, which facilitates better blood flow. ANP also encourages the kidneys to excrete sodium, leading to increased urine production and reduced blood volume — the opposite of water retention and decreased urination! In practical terms, ANP's action can be seen in conditions such as heart failure or hypertension, where the body struggles with fluid overload. By counteracting the effects of hormones like aldosterone and angiotensin II, ANP provides a natural defense against excessive water retention, thus helping maintain a healthy blood pressure. So the next time you think about managing blood pressure, remember the helpful role of ANP in keeping your vascular system in check!