Asian Journal of Cardiology Research

Background: N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a well-established biomarker used for diagnosing and evaluating cardiac function, particularly in heart failure, and for assessing the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. This observational study aimed to evaluate elevated NT-proBNP levels in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital and explore their association with clinical outcomes.

Methods: An observational study was conducted over six months by reviewing medical records of patients admitted to the pulmonology, cardiology, and internal medicine departments of a tertiary care hospital. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and NT-proBNP levels were extracted from electronic health records. The relationship between NT-proBNP levels and clinical outcomes, including mortality and cardiac events, was analyzed.

Results: A total of 200 patients were included, with a mean age of 60.5 years and a predominance of males (61%). Elevated NT-proBNP levels were significantly associated with older age, male gender, and the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Dyspnea was reported in 138 patients, of whom 121 had elevated NT-proBNP levels. Among 62 patients without dyspnea, 56 also had elevated levels. Higher NT-proBNP concentrations were associated with an increased risk of mortality and adverse cardiac events.

Conclusion: This study highlights the diagnostic value of NT-proBNP across various age groups, genders, and clinical conditions, particularly in differentiating between dyspneic and non-dyspneic patients. Elevated NT-proBNP levels were more common among patients with dyspnea, suggesting a strong correlation with respiratory distress. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating NT-proBNP testing into the routine assessment of patients presenting with dyspnea, facilitating early diagnosis and intervention.