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 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 r =0.28; P β =0.187, P β =0.234, P 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.