NPPB and Hypertension: This benefit is not confounded by BMI, body surface area, smoking, hypertension, mean systolic and diastolic volume, LVEF, presence of peripheral or coronary artery disease, pro-BNP levels, cholesterol level, creatinine levels, HbA1c, use of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, or diuretics when compared to conservative treatment.