*2.2. Biomarkers' Measurements*

The plasma levels of NT-proBNP were measured by the electrochemiluminescent immunoassays Elecsys 2010 (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). Two cutoff points of NT-proBNP were used: 125 pg/mL, upper limit of normal values in the assay defined by the manufacturer, and 150 pg/mL after analysis of a receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC), identifying the criterion of maximum sensitivity and specificity for MVA occurrence. The plasma levels of cardiac troponin T were measured by the troponin T hs-STAT (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). Again, two cutoff points for hsTnT were used: 14 ng/L, upper limit of normal values in the assay defined by the manufacturer, and 20 ng/L, after the ROC analysis which fulfils the criterion of maximum sensitivity and specificity for MVA occurrence. All measurements were performed in the National Institute of Cardiology laboratory.
