Correlation of serum NT-proBNP levels with metabolic and cardiovascular parameters in adults with metabolic syndrome: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Context: A major global health concern, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and early death. In high-risk groups, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has become a viable biomarker for subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Aim: To estimate serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with MetS and investigate their correlation with metabolic parameters and echocardiographic findings. Settings and Design: Hospital-based, analytical, and cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of general medicine, at a tertiary care teaching hospital from South India. Materials and Methods: There were 52 adult patients with MetS (American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, 2003 criteria) aged 18–65 years. ELISA was utilized to measure serum NT-proBNP. Echocardiographic, biochemical, and clinical parameters were recorded with the aim to evaluate the correlations with NT-proBNP levels. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 24. Independent t-test, Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test, and Spearman’s correlation were applied. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most of the participants (96.2%) had NT-proBNP levels below 125 pg/ml. Elevated very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) ( P = 0.004) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction ( P = 0.002) were significantly correlated with NT-proBNP levels. Total cholesterol and NT-proBNP levels were found to be positively correlated (ρ =0.298; P = 0.032). There were no significant correlations found with low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, fasting glucose, or left ventricular mass index. Conclusion: In MetS patients, NT-proBNP is correlated with early functional cardiac changes (LV diastolic dysfunction) and metabolic abnormalities (cholesterol and VLDL) but not with structural indices. In this population, it might function as a sensitive biomarker for early cardiovascular risk stratification.