N-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide in Apparently Healthy Smokers.

Abstract

Background and objective Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a valid negative biomarker of left ventricular (Lv) dysfunction. The current study investigated whether smoking has an effect on NT-proBNP serum level. Methods: A total of 44subjects 22smokers and 22 non smokers as controls were enrolled in the study. History of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease was an exclusion criterion. Serum levels of NT-proBNP were measured using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Analysis of data showed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05, in serum NT-proBNP between smokers and controls.proBNP were 410 and 111 pg/ml in smokers and controls, respectively. Also, serum NT-proBNP level correlated with both average number of daily cigarettes smoked and body mass index of smokers. Conclusion These results showed that smoking could increase serum levels of NT-proBNP. Accordingly, an elevated NT-proBNP could be a strong predictor of Left ventricular dysfunction in smokers.