NT-proBNP as a CVD Risk Prediction Marker in Women

Data from the Women's Health Initiative suggest that NT-proBNP provides added predictive value to traditional risk factors.

N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men, but its role in risk prediction in women is less clear. To assess the association between NT-proBNP and incident CVD in women, investigators used data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), including 1821 incident cases of CVD (746 myocardial infarctions, 754 ischemic strokes, 160 hemorrhagic strokes, and 161 other cardiovascular [CV] deaths) and a reference cohort of 1992 women without CVD at baseline.

Overall, median NT-proBNP levels were higher at baseline in the incident than the referent cohort (120.3 ng/L vs. 100.4 ng/L). Women in the highest quartile of NT-proBNP (>140.8 ng/L) had a significant, 53% increased risk …

Reviewing Author

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

NT-proBNP as a CVD Risk Prediction Marker in Women

Topics

Reviewing Author