In this study in elderly patients with severe symptomatic AS the main findings were: 1) there is a significant correlation between the E/e’ ratio and NT-proBNP, in particular in patients without obesity, severe renal dysfunction, severe COPD, or significant left-sided valvular regurgitation, 2) the correlation was best for the septal E/e’ ratio, and 3) this latter correlation was preserved in patients with a history of CABG. This evidence concerns the gene NPPB and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.