NT-proBNP levels useful tool to predict increased risk of Atrial Fibrillation, reveals research
A recent groundbreaking study found that NT-proBNP levels are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation in older adults, as per results that were published in the journal Heart.
N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a widely recognized and established biomarker for cardiac conditions like heart failure. However, there is ambiguity in establishing its role or predicting atrial fibrillation. Hence, researchers from China conducted a study to evaluate the association between NT-proBNP levels and the incidence of AF and explore the potential of NT-proBNP in enhancing AF risk prediction models.
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching databases like PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to August 2024. All the prospective studies that reported the association between baseline NT-proBNP levels and incident AF were included. Random effects models were used to pool the Hazard ratios and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals.
Findings:
- About 136 089 participants from 16 cohorts were included in the meta-analysis.
- Among them, there were 8017 incident AF cases.
- Higher NT-proBNP levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing AF, with a relative risk of 3.84 when comparing the top and bottom quartiles.
- It also showed a 1.70 relative risk per standard deviation increment.
- A significant non-linear dose-response relationship was seen (Pnon-linearity<0.05).
- The association was stronger in older populations and when serum samples were used.
- Incorporating NT-proBNP levels into traditional AF risk models increased the predictive accuracy.
Thus, the study highlighted the potential value of adding NT-proBNP levels in the risk stratification of atrial fibrillation. The study underscores the importance of using NT=proBNP as a valuable biomarker for identifying individuals at potential risk of developing AF. Due to its predictive accuracy, the researchers suggested adding this to the AF risk assessment tools.
The study also highlights the potential of using NT-proBNP levels for more intensive screening and early identification of Atrial fibrillation. Personalized treatment approaches can be used due to early identification by using NT-proBNP levels for AF and also developing a preventive strategy for at-risk individuals.
Further reading: Wang W, Zhou T, Li J, et al. Association between NT-proBNP levels and risk of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Heart Published Online First: 06 December 2024. doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2024-324685
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