Artery Research (Dec 2009)

P7.10 ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IS A DETERMINANT OF INCREASED LEVELS OF AMINO TERMINAL PRO-B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE – THE ROTTERDAM STUDY

  • J.H.W. Rutten,
  • F.U.S. Mattace-Raso,
  • G.C. Verwoert,
  • J. Lindemans,
  • A. Hofman,
  • J.C.M. Witteman,
  • A.H. van den Meiracker

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artres.2009.10.103
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 4

Abstract

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Objective: Arterial stiffness is one of the main determinants of the workload of the left ventricle. Amino-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is released by cardiomyocytes in response to left ventricular wall stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether arterial stiffness is an independent determinant of amino-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Methods: Cross-sectional study of a large population-based cohort free of cardiovascular disease in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (n=5,138). Results: Mean age was 67.4±7.6 years in men and 68.7±8.2 in women. Median NT-proBNP was lower in men than women (6.7 versus 10.0 pmol/l [57 versus 86pg/ml], p<0.001). In men, measures of arterial stiffness correlated with NT-proBNP (PP, r=0.331; PWV, r=0.258; CD, r=−0.266, all p<0.001). These associations remained significant after adjustment for age, body mass index, heart rate, smoking, diabetes, renal function, total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol and use of lipid lowering and antihypertensive medication (PP, r=0.195; PWV, r=0.100; CD, r=−0.092, all p<0.001). In women, associations were weaker (PP, r=0.245; PWV, r=0.235; CD, r = − 0.232, all p<0.001), but also remained significant after multivariable adjustment (PP, r=0.083; PWV, r=0.051; CD, r = −0.066, all p<0.02). Conclusions: Measures of arterial stiffness are independently associated with NT-proBNP serum levels in older subjects. The associations are stronger in men than in women.