Associations Between Serum N ‐Terminal Pro‐Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and the Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Middle‐Aged and Older J apanese Adults: A Population‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Aim Evidence regarding the association between heart failure and sarcopenia in middle‐aged and older community‐dwelling adults is scarce. This study aimed to examine the association between NT‐proBNP levels and sarcopenia among community‐dwelling adults aged 40–74 years. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted based on the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study, which involved 1675 Japanese residents aged 40–74 years. Serum N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels, physical function, and lifestyle information were measured. Participants were categorized according to their NT‐proBNP levels (< 55, 55–124, and ≥ 125 pg/mL). Multivariate‐adjusted logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios for low skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, walking speed, maximal walking speed, and sarcopenia according to serum NT‐proBNP levels. Results Among the analyzed participants, the prevalence was 22.6% for low skeletal muscle mass, 4.3% for low handgrip strength, 14.3% for low walking speed, 24.1% for low maximal walking speed, and 5.9% for sarcopenia. The multivariable odds ratios (95% confidence interval, p for trend) comparing the highest versus lowest groups of serum NT‐proBNP levels were 1.63 (1.07–2.49, p < 0.01) for low skeletal muscle mass, 3.38 (1.70–6.73, p < 0.01) for low handgrip strength, 1.81 (0.96–3.40, p = 0.06) for low walking speed, 1.75 (1.03–2.97, p = 0.06) for low maximal walking speed, and 2.56 (1.07–6.14, p = 0.03) for sarcopenia. Conclusions High serum NT‐proBNP levels, which are a surrogate marker for heart failure, were associated with low physical function and sarcopenia.