NPPB and Hypertension: Among the variables not associated with NT-proBNP were: a history of coronary artery disease (27%), arterial hypertension (31%), smoking status (48% current smokers), chest pain on admission (10%), kidney function (mean creatinine 76 μg/L), P pulmonale (25%), right axis deviation (10%), atrial fibrillation (7%), prior MI (40%), and ischemia in ECG (27%).