Fig 2. Risk prediction for cardiovascular death by plasma NT-proBNP compared to common cardiovascular risk factors in the general population.
Shown are hazard ratio estimates for cardiovascular death adjusted for age and sex. NT-proBNP is dichotomized by the exclusion cut-off point of 125pg/ml recommended by the current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology for the diagnosis of chronic heart failure [31]. Obesity: body-mass index > 30kg/m2. Relevant LVH: left ventricular mass to body surface area > 149g/m2 (men) / 122g/m2 (women). LVD: systolic left ventricular dysfunction defined as ejection fraction below 55%.