Table 3. Comparison of time of start-up of metoprolol succinate (time of start-up) and average dose of metoprolol succinate after one month(target dosage) between BNP and observation groups (mean and SD).

Outcome	BNP group (N = 94)	Observation group (N = 92)	t value	p value
Time of start-up (days)	5.89 ± 1.76	7.03 ± 2.08	4.409	0.01
Target dosage (mg/d)	47.65 ± 13.09	35.08 ± 11.08	5.414	0.009

Values are expressed as mean and SD or as indicated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the two groups. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

BNP, brain natriuretic peptide; SD, standard deviation.