Abstract MP02: N-Terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide and Risk of Stroke in Those With and Without Cerebrovascular Disease: The REGARDS Cohort

Abstract

Background: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), a commonly used marker of cardiac function, is associated with presence of stroke symptoms and is a strong risk factor for future atrial fibrillation, stroke and mortality. Little data are available on the association between NT-pro-BNP levels and stroke recurrence. Objective: We studied the relationship between NT-proBNP with the risk of future ischemic stroke across a spectrum of pre-existing cerebrovascular conditions, ranging from history of stroke symptoms, to prior transient ischemic attack (TIA), to prior stroke. Methods: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort enrolled 30 239 black and white Americans age 45 years and older in 2003-14. Among a case-cohort study sample including 1109 stroke cases and a 4311-person cohort random sample, we calculated hazard ratios of future ischemic stroke by baseline NT-proBNP stratified by presence of prior cerebrovascular conditions. Results: In the cohort sample, there were 3056 participants without any history of cerebrovascular disease, 738 with prior stroke symptoms, 196 with history of TIA and 338 with history of prior stroke. In a fully adjusted model, elevated NT-proBNP was associated with risk of stroke in participants without a pre-existing cerebrovascular condition (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.84, 2.94), and in participants with a history of stroke symptoms (HR 1.67 95% CI 1.01, 2.78) or TIA (HR 2.66, 95% CI 1.00, 7.04), but not among those with prior stroke (HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.71, 2.21). Conclusions: These findings further support the potential for NT-proBNP testing to identify patients who are at highest risk for future stroke, although not in those with prior stroke.