N-terminal Prohormone B-type Natriuretic Peptide and Cardiovascular Function in Africans and Caucasians: The SAfrEIC Study

Background: This study compared NT-proBNP levels and the association with cardiovascular markers between Africans and Caucasians from South Africa. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 201 Africans and 255 Caucasians from the North West province, South Africa. Serum NT-proBNP concentrations, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity and arterial compliance were measured. Results: NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in Africans than Caucasians, also after adjusting for gender, body mass index (BMI) and pulse wave velocity (P = 0.008). This significant difference became borderline significant after adjusting for systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.060), and non-significant after adjusting for arterial compliance (P = 0.35). In single regression, a significant positive correlation of NT-proBNP with SBP (r = 0.26;P < 0.001) and pulse pressure (PP) (r = 0.28; P < 0.001) were shown for Africans only. After multiple adjustments, the associations of NT-proBNP with SBP and PP remained significant in Africans (SBP: beta = 0.187, P < 0.01; PP: beta = 0.234, P < 0.001), with no significant associations in Caucasians. Conclusions: NT-proBNP levels were higher in Africans than Caucasians, independently of BMI and gender. This difference was partly driven by higher SBP and lower arterial compliance in Africans. NT-proBNP was persistently associated with SBP and PP in Africans, but not in Caucasians. These associations may suggest early vascular changes contributing to cardiac alterations in Africans. (Heart, Lung and Circulation 2012;21:88-95) Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). All rights reserved.