Key result
NT-proBNP ≥900 pg/mL is linked to slower gait and impaired motor function in older adults.
Why the study?
To clarify the distribution of NT-proBNP levels and their association with skeletal muscle mass and motor function in community-dwelling older adults.
Are elevated NT-proBNP levels associated with decreased skeletal muscle mass and impaired motor function in community-dwelling older adults?
Are elevated NT-proBNP levels associated with decreased skeletal muscle mass and impaired motor function in community-dwelling older adults?
In functionally independent community-dwelling older adults, elevated NT-proBNP levels (≥900 pg/mL) are significantly associated with impaired motor function, suggesting a link between preclinical heart failure and physical decline.
May flag preclinical HF-related decline in older adults; extends observational links but leaves causal role and screening utility open.
Background With the global aging society, the number of heart failure (HF) patients is increasing significantly, and it is becoming a major issue in healthcare economics. Therefore, measurement of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) in community health check-ups has been suggested for early detection and prophylactic treatment of HF. Previous studies in patients with HF have reported that high levels of BNP and NT-proBNP are associated with decreased skeletal muscle mass and motor function, which are associated with mortality. Purpose This study aimed to clarify the distribution of NT-proBNP levels and association between NT-proBNP levels, skeletal muscle mass, and motor function in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Study participants were functionally independent adults aged ≥65 years who voluntarily participated in a longitudinal cohort study. NT-proBNP was measured and categorized into four groups according to NT-proBNP levels: <125 pg/mL, 125-299 pg/mL, 300-899 pg/mL, and ≥900 pg/mL. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Grip strength, usual gait speed, and five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5STS) were measured as parameters of motor function. Results The analysis included 1,766 participants (mean age: 74 ± 5 years, 43% males) with a mean blood NT-proBNP level of 131 ± 236 pg/mL. The distribution of NT-proBNP levels was as follows: <125 pg/mL in 73% of participants, 125–299 pg/mL in 20%, 300–899 pg/mL in 5%, and ≥900 pg/mL in 2%. This distribution was similar in participants without a history of cardiac disease (n=1664). One-way ANOVA for the four groups showed that SMI, grip strength, and usual gait speed significantly decreased, and 5STS significantly increased with increasing NT-proBNP. In multiple regression analysis adjusting for age, body mass index, creatinine, and exercise habits, the group with ≥900 pg/mL had significantly lower usual gait speed (males: P =0.005, females: P =0.002) and significantly longer 5STS (males: P =0.025, females: P <0.001) compared to those with NT-proBNP <125 pg/mL. Conclusions Among functionally independent older adults living in the community, 27% had NT-proBNP levels ≥125 pg/mL, indicating preclinical or potential HF, and those with levels ≥900 pg/mL showed impaired motor function.Distribution of NT-proBNP Multiple regression analysis
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Kato et al. (2025) studied this question. In older adults, NT-proBNP ≥900 pg/mL was linked to significantly lower gait speed and longer 5STS times, indicating impaired motor function.
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