N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) and Risk of Hypertension in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is released by the heart in response to ventricular and auricular wall stress. Release of BNP is traditionally considered part of the body's protective mechanism against pressure overload by inducing vasodilatation and diuresis. More recent evidence demonstrates that BNP also promotes vessel wall stress and preliminary studies suggest that chronic increased levels may increase risk of hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the prospective association of N-terminal BNP (NT-proBNP), a cleavage product of BNP, with risk of hypertension in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort study.

Methods

We conducted a prospective analysis of 3,798 middle-aged participants in the ARIC study without hypertension at baseline (1996-1998).

SUBMITTER: Bower JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4580540 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature