Although developed for use in specific populations, both are recognised to be important indicators of adverse prognosis among stable patients, even in the absence of established cardiac disease.1–4 These associations likely reflect the role of myocardial proteins as surrogate measures of underlying processes such as hypertension, atherosclerosis or left ventricular dysfunction.5 6 Indeed, there have been suggestions that measurement of high-sensitivity troponin and BNP in certain asymptomatic populations may be of benefit.7 However, these tests are not specific for a single disease process. Here, NPPB is linked to hypertensive disorder.