Prognostic value of N-terminal pro-atrial and pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute coronary syndromes

From a cohort of 681 patients admitted with unstable angina and/or non-ST-segment acute myocardial infarction, baseline N-terminal pro-atrial and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-proANP and Nt-proBNP) levels were measured in 53 patients who died or experienced a new nonfatal acute myocardial infarction within 43 days of admission and in 53 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Plasma Nt-proANP and Nt-proBNP levels were both significantly related to death within 4-3 days, and for Nt-proBNP this relation remained significant after adjusting for conventional risk indicators.