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Ventricular hypertrophy increases NT-proBNP in subjects with and without hypertension

J Miguel Rivera Otero1, Raquel Taléns-Visconti, Antonio Salvador

  • 1Research Center La Fe Hospital, José María Haro, 59, Puerta 59, 46022 Valencia, Spain. rivera_jmi@gva.es

International Journal of Cardiology
|July 21, 2004
PubMed

Insights

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels are elevated in individuals with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, irrespective of hypertension. The study found that hypertension does not significantly impact NT-proBNP levels in patients with LV hypertrophy.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Hypertension (HT) is considered in NT-proBNP interpretation.
  • Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy without HT can also elevate NT-proBNP.
  • Investigating NT-proBNP in LV hypertrophy with and without HT is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare NT-proBNP levels in subjects with LV hypertrophy, with and without a diagnosis of HT.
  • To determine if HT influences NT-proBNP levels in the presence of LV hypertrophy.

Main Methods:

  • A population study of 215 subjects with dyspnea was conducted.
  • Blood samples, echo-Doppler studies, and questionnaires were used.
  • 52 subjects (24%) were identified with LV hypertrophy.

Main Results:

  • NT-proBNP was significantly higher in the LV hypertrophic population (202 +/- 209 pg/ml) compared to the non-hypertrophic population (148 +/- 286 pg/ml) (P < 0.001).
  • In the LV hypertrophic group, NT-proBNP levels did not differ significantly between normotensive subjects (199 +/- 201 pg/ml) and those with HT (205 +/- 220 pg/ml).

Conclusions:

  • NT-proBNP is elevated in patients with LV hypertrophy, regardless of HT.
  • The presence of HT does not significantly alter NT-proBNP levels in LV hypertrophy.
Abstract

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