Biomarkers of hemodynamic stress and aortic stiffness post-STEMI: a cross-sectional analysis

Background

We aimed to evaluate the association between biomarkers of hemodynamic stress and aortic stiffness assessed at a chronic stage after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Fifty-four patients four months after acute STEMI were enrolled in this cross-sectional, single-center study. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), mid-regional pro-A-type natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) levels were measured by established assays. Aortic stiffness was assessed by the measurement of pulse wave velocity using velocity-encoding, phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

NT-proBNP, MR-proANP and MR-proADM concentrations were all correlated with aortic stiffness in univariate analysis (r = 0.378, r = 0.425, r = 0.532, all p < 0.005, respectively). In multiple linear regression analysis, NT-proBNP (ß = 0.316, p = 0.005) and MR-proADM (ß = 0.284, p < 0.020) levels were associated with increased aortic stiffness independently of age, blood pressure and renal function. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, NT-proBNP was the strongest predictor for high aortic stiffness (area under the curve: 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 - 0.96).

Conclusions

At a chronic stage after STEMI, concentrations of biomarkers for hemodynamic stress, especially NT-proBNP, are positively correlated with aortic stiffness. These biomarkers might also be useful as predictors of high aortic stiffness post-STEMI.

Funding

Austrian Society of Cardiology.