Factors responsible for elevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in severe aortic stenosis: comparison between elderly and younger patients

BackgroundElevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a predictor of outcome and helpful for risk stratification in aortic stenosis (AS). However, left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction progresses with aging and may also influence plasma BNP levels in elderly patients. We hypothesized that plasma BNP levels may be influenced by age in severe AS, and that factors that affect the elevation of plasma BNP levels may be different between elderly and younger patients with AS.MethodsWe performed echocardiography in 341 patients with severe AS [aortic valve area (AVA)