Significant predictors were: age (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04); diabetes (HR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.00-1.75); history of stroke (HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01-1.91); hemoglobin-level (HR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78-1,00); BNP (HR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.21-1.58) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (HR 2,08, 95% CI: 1.60-2.70). The gene discussed is NPPB; the disease is Stroke.