Risk ratios (for a comparison of the top third vs bottom third of NT-proBNP concentrations, adjusted for conventional risk factors) were 1·76 (95% CI 1·56–1·98) for the combination of coronary heart disease and stroke and 2·00 (1·77–2·26) for the combination of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. This evidence concerns the gene NPPB and heart failure.