N-terminal prob-type natriuretic peptide is a marker of vascular remodelling and subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic hypertensives

BackgroundArterial hypertension is a main determinant of arterial remodelling and atherosclerosis. Coronary artery calcium score and carotid intima-media thickness are recognized indices of vascular remodelling. Established biohumoral markers for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis are still lacking in asymptomatic subjects with hypertension.ObjectivesWe aimed to test the association of plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations with either coronary artery calcium score or carotid intima-media thickness in asymptomatic hypertensive subjects.MethodsWe conducted a case–control study on 436 hypertensi.ve and 436 age/sex-matched normotensive subjects from the population of the Montignoso HEart and Lung Project, a community-based study of asymptomatic general population ≥45 years. Subjects underwent N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide measurement, echocardiography and evaluation of coronary artery calcium score and carotid intima-media thickness.ResultsHypertensive subjects had higher m...