Prognostic Value of NT-ProBNP and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Assessing Hypertension Severity in Newly Diagnosed Adults at NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract

Hypertension is a major public health concern globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Biomarkers such as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to cardiovascular function and disease progression. This study investigates the relationship between NT-proBNP and Omega-3 fatty acid levels and hypertension severity in newly diagnosed adults at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 90 participants: 45 hypertensive individuals and 45 normotensive controls. Anthropometric, blood pressure, NT-proBNP, and Omega-3 fatty acid levels were determined using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Hypertensive individuals had significantly higher SBP (140.32±19.80 mmHg) and DBP (82.05±11.06 mmHg) compared to controls (SBP: 111.15±5.06 mmHg, DBP: 69.70±5.39 mmHg; p=0.000). NT-proBNP levels were significantly hygher in hypertensive individuals (7.21±4.25 ng/L) than in controls (4.67±1.85 ng/L; p=0.012), while Omega-3 fatty acid levels were markedly reduced in hypertensives (269.41±128.40 ng/L) compared to controls (931.05±607.61 ng/L; p=0.000). A significant negative correlation was observed between NT-proBNP and Omega-3 fatty acids (r = -0.493, p = 0.017). In the present study, Hypertensive individuals exhibited significantly higher NT-proBNP and lower Omega-3 fatty acid levels compared to controls, indicating increased cardiac stress and reduced anti-inflammatory capacity. This may subsequently increase the risk of cardiovascular events and disease progression. The study supports the potential of NT-proBNP and Omega-3 fatty acids as predictive biomarkers for hypertension severity. Elevated NT-proBNP reflects cardiac stress, suggesting early myocardial strain even in the absence of clinical symptoms, which may predispose to left ventricular hypertrophy and eventual heart failure. Routine NT-proBNP screening in hypertensive patients may facilitate early cardiovascular risk identification. Concurrently, diminished Omega-3 levels underscore the need for nutritional strategies that enhance vascular health. Integration of these biomarkers into routine clinical practice could improve prognostication and guide personalized therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: NT-proBNP, omega 3 fatty acid, adults, hypertension, severity

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/119-06

Publication date: July 30th 2025