Resting and post-exercise diastolic function in asymptomatic hypertensive diabetic patients with elevated NT-proBNP

Abstract Background The term "heart stress" has recently been introduced to identify asymptomatic individuals with cardiovascular risk factors and elevated plasma natriuretic peptide levels. However, it remains unclear whether such patients necessarily exhibit structural or functional cardiac abnormalities. Arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus are major risk factors for the development of heart failure. Diastolic properties of the left ventricle (LV) are often impaired in this population. The purpose of this study was to assess both resting and post-exercise LV diastolic function (DF) in hypertensive diabetic patients with elevated NT-proBNP levels. Methods Seventy-seven patients (mean age 62 ± 7 years; 31 males, 46 females) with uncomplicated arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled. Age-specific NT-proBNP cut-off values were applied: 75 pg/mL (