High adiponectin and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in asymptomatic older men: does NT-proBNP help to explain this association?

Wannamethee, S.G., Welsh, P. , Whincup, P.H., Sawar, N., Thomas, M.C., Gudnarsson, V. and Sattar, N. (2011) High adiponectin and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in asymptomatic older men: does NT-proBNP help to explain this association? European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, 18(1), pp. 65-71. (doi: 10.1097/HJR.0b013e32833b09d9)

Abstract

<p><b>Background:</b> Raised adiponectin is associated with increased rather than decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality at older age. We examined whether N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a marker of cardiac dysfunction, may help explain this relationship.</p> <p><b>Methods and results:</b> A prospective study of 2879 men aged 60-79 years with no history of CVD at baseline followed-up for a mean of 9 years during which there were 196 major coronary heart disease events (fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction) and 667 deaths (including 225 CVD deaths), whereas adiponectin concentration was inversely associated with several conventional CVD risk factors; it was significantly and positively associated with NT-proBNP concentration. After adjustment for several vascular risk factors, including renal function and muscle mass, relative risks associated with a top third versus bottom third comparison of adiponectin concentration were 1.51 (1.02-2.23) for coronary heart disease, 1.67 (1.15-2.41) for CVD mortality and 1.41 (1.13-1.95) for all cause mortality. Upon further adjustment for NT-proBNP, these relative risks attenuated to 1.31 (0.88-1.94), 1.31 (0.90-1.91) and 1.26 (1.01-1.59), respectively.</p> <p><b>Conclusion:</b> We show for the first time that concomitantly elevated NT-proBNP concentration, at least, partially explains the apparently positive relationship between adiponectin concentration and risk of CVD and mortality in asymptomatic elderly men.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Welsh, Professor Paul and Sattar, Professor Naveed
• Authors: Wannamethee, S.G., Welsh, P., Whincup, P.H., Sawar, N., Thomas, M.C., Gudnarsson, V., and Sattar, N.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 1741-8267
• ISSN (Online): 1741-8275