gms | German Medical Science

Background: The determination of NT-proBNP- values is increasingly used as a marker to estimate the dignity of chronic heart failure. In this context an elevated NT-proBNP-value is a sign of worse prognosis. On the other hand numerous studies have shown that increases in blood pressures are positively associated with cardiac events. Therefore we did a research on a connection between NT-proBNP-values and pulse pressure- , mean arterial pressure- , systolic and diastolic pressure- values to prove a possible correlation.

Methods: NT-proBNP-levels were analysed before left-heart catheterization in 125 patients (unselected population with exclusion of renal or valvular diseases ; 60,6 ±10,1 years). The determination of NT- proBNP in plasma was performed using the electrochemiluminescence technology in the Elecsycanalyser and the Elecsys-proBNP immunoassay (Roche-Diagnostics, Mannheim ).All arterial pressure-values (PP,MAP.SBP and DBP)were invasively measured in the aortic arch before application of contrast-medium. Finally, the NT-proBNP values were compared to the invasively measured arterial pressure-values accordingly.

Results:

1) NT-proBNP values in correlation to the pulse pressure-values : no correlation (r=0,014);

2) NT-proBNP values in correlation to systolic blood pressure : no correlation (r= 0,09) ;

3) NT-proBNP values in correlation to mean blood pressure: weak correlation (r=0,203)

4) NT-proBNP values in correlation to diastolic blood pressure: weak, however best correlation (r=0,247)

Conclusion: The best correlation of NT-proBNP-values and blood pressure parameters was found in case of the diastolic pressure values. Despite the weak correlation, this observation may an indicator to interpret the elevated diastolic blood pressure as risk factor for myocardial heart failure ,whereas - corresponding current publications -elevated pulse pressure and systolic blood pressure are predictor of vascular risks.