Association of Plasma N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels With the Burden of Coronary Artery Disease

The investigators prospectively measured plasma NT-proBNP levels in consecutive patients referred to the center for elective diagnostic coronary angiography due to symptoms or signs of coronary artery disease over a two- year period. Patients with conditions known to elevate NT-proBNP levels, including heart failure, severe valvular disease, atrial fibrillation, severe chronic kidney disease (eGFR \< 30 mL/min), prior coronary artery bypass grafting, or age over 80 years, were excluded.