The effect of an exhaustive aerobic exercise on NT-proBNP levels in healthy males

Introduction: Many studies documented the relationship between elevated plasma concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its aminoterminal propeptide (NTproBNP) and cardiovascular diseases, especially heart failure (HF). However, it is still uncertain whether physical exercise leads to a significant release of NT-proBNP in healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an exhaustive aerobic exercise on NT-proBNP levels in healthy males. Material & Methods: In this study, Fifteen healthy male (aged: 22.2 ± 2.3 years; ± SD) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were performed Bruce protocol as the exhaustive aerobic exercise. NT-proBNP plasma concentrations were measured before and immediately after the exhaustive aerobic exercise. Paired-sample t- test was used to analyze the data. Results: The results demonstrated that NT-proBNP levels were increased significantly after the exhaustive aerobic exercise (P<0.05). We did not find any correlation between the post-exercise increase of NT-proBNP levels and body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF) or VO2max. Conclusions: In conclusion, the exhaustive aerobic exercise in healthy individuals led to a fast rise of plasma NT-proBNP concentrations.