NPPB and heart failure: We have investigated the relationship of the SS and the presence of CAC with plasma levels of the components of mineral metabolism and several biomarkers related to cardiovascular damage such as: MCP-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK), involved in inflammation and atherothrombosis [20–24]; galectin-3, related to thrombosis and heart failure [3,25]; and the inactive N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), related mainly to heart failure [4,5].