NT-proBNP levels useful tool to predict increased risk of Atrial Fibrillation, reveals research

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic
peptide (NT-proBNP) is a widely recognized and established biomarker for
cardiac conditions like heart failure. However, there is ambiguity in
establishing its role or predicting atrial fibrillation. Hence, researchers
from China conducted a study to evaluate the association between NT-proBNP
levels and the incidence of AF and explore the potential of NT-proBNP in
enhancing AF risk prediction models.

A systematic review and
meta-analysis were conducted by searching databases like PubMed, Embase,
Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to August 2024. All
the prospective studies that reported the association between baseline
NT-proBNP levels and incident AF were included. Random effects models were used
to pool the Hazard ratios and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals.

Findings:

• About 136 089 participants from 16 cohorts were
  included in the meta-analysis.
• Among them, there were 8017 incident AF cases.
• Higher NT-proBNP levels were significantly associated
  with an increased risk of developing AF, with a relative risk of 3.84 when
  comparing the top and bottom quartiles.
• It also showed a 1.70 relative risk per standard
  deviation increment.
• A significant non-linear dose-response
  relationship was seen (P_{non-linearity}<0.05).
• The association was stronger in older
  populations and when serum samples were used.
• Incorporating NT-proBNP levels into traditional AF
  risk models increased the predictive accuracy.

Thus, the study highlighted the
potential value of adding NT-proBNP levels in the risk stratification of atrial
fibrillation. The study underscores the importance of using NT=proBNP as a
valuable biomarker for identifying individuals at potential risk of developing
AF. Due to its predictive accuracy, the researchers suggested adding this to
the AF risk assessment tools.

The study also highlights the
potential of using NT-proBNP levels for more intensive screening and early
identification of Atrial fibrillation. Personalized treatment approaches can be
used due to early identification by using NT-proBNP levels for AF and also developing
a preventive strategy for at-risk individuals.

Further reading: Wang W, Zhou T, Li J,
et al. Association between NT-proBNP levels and risk of atrial
fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Heart Published
Online First: 06 December 2024. doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2024-324685