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N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide in arterial hypertension--a marker for left ventricular dimensions and

Per Hildebrandt1, Mikael Boesen, Michael Olsen

  • 1Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Frederiksberg University Hospital, 57 Nordre Fasanvej, DK-2000, Frederiksberg, Denmark. ph@fh.hosp.dk

European Journal of Heart Failure
|February 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) predicts left ventricular (LV) mass in arterial hypertension patients. This biomarker also proves a strong prognostic indicator, potentially aiding risk stratification and treatment monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Arterial hypertension management typically involves risk factor evaluation and stratification.
  • N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is established as a marker for left ventricular (LV) dimensions and prognosis in heart failure.
  • The potential utility of NT-proBNP in arterial hypertension risk assessment warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of NT-proBNP in patients with arterial hypertension.
  • To determine if NT-proBNP correlates with LV mass and diastolic properties in hypertensive individuals.
  • To assess the prognostic capability of NT-proBNP in predicting cardiovascular events in arterial hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 36 patients with arterial hypertension, electrocardiographic LV hypertrophy, and preserved LV function.
  • NT-proBNP levels were measured and compared to healthy subjects.
  • Correlation analysis was performed between log NT-proBNP and LV mass index measured by magnetic resonance imaging.
  • Correlation with diastolic properties was also assessed.
  • Prognostic value was evaluated in a separate cohort of hypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy and preserved LV function, considering cardiovascular disease history.

Main Results:

  • NT-proBNP levels were eight-fold higher in hypertensive patients compared to healthy subjects.
  • A significant correlation was found between log NT-proBNP and LV mass index (R=0.47, P=0.0002).
  • A significant but weak correlation was observed between NT-proBNP and diastolic properties.
  • NT-proBNP emerged as a potent prognostic marker, particularly when combined with a history of cardiovascular disease.
  • Patients with high NT-proBNP and known cardiovascular disease faced a seven-fold increase in cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

  • NT-proBNP effectively predicts LV mass in patients with arterial hypertension.
  • NT-proBNP serves as a robust prognostic marker in this population.
  • Future applications may include NT-proBNP for risk stratification and monitoring treatment efficacy in arterial hypertension.

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