Interaction of Body Mass Index on the Association Between N‐Terminal‐Pro‐b‐Type Natriuretic Peptide and Morbidity and Mortality in Patients With Acute Heart Failure: Findings From ASCEND‐HF (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure)

BackgroundHigher body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower circulating levels of N‐terminal‐pro‐b‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). The Interaction between BMI and NT‐proBNP with respect to clinical outcomes is not well characterized in patients with acute heart failure. Methods and ResultsA total of 686 patients from the biomarker substudy of the ASCEND‐HF (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated HF ) clinical trial with documented NT‐proBNP levels at baseline were included in the present analysis. Patients were classified by the World Health Organization obesity classification (nonobese: BMI