Elevated B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Blood Levels during Hypertensive Crisis

Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (i) to assess the role of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the course of hypertensive crisis; (ii) to evaluate the possible role of BNP in the differential diagnosis between hypertensive emergencies (HE) or urgencies (HU); and (iii) to investigate the relationship between BNP concentration and blood pressure (BP) acute burden with consequent myocardial ischaemia or brain damage.