Abstract 16416: Associations of NT-proBNP and High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Concentrations With 6-year Changes in Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Community (ARIC) Study

Introduction: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) improve prediction of incident heart failure (HF) and are cross-sectionally associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling, but their associations with changes in cardiac structure and function are unclear. Hypothesis: Concentrations of NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT associate with 6-year change in cardiac structure in older adults. Methods: We studied 1,916 participants aged 67-88 in the ARIC Study free of overt cardiovascular disease at baseline (study Visit 5; 2011-13). We quantified the associations of baseline NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT with subsequent changes in LV structure and systolic and diastolic function assessed by echocardiography over a median of 6.6 (IQR 6.1-7.0) years using multivariable linear regression and restricted cubic spline models. Models adjusted for demographics, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, kidney function, and the baseline echocardiographic value of interest at Visit 5. Results: Mean age was 75±4 years, 60% were female, 23% were black, median hs-cTnT was 9 (IQR 6-13) ng/L and NT-proBNP was 88 (50-157) ng/L at Visit 5. In adjusted models, higher hs-cTnT was modestly associated with 6-year increase in LV wall thickness (p=0.02) but not with changes in LV function. In contrast, higher NT-proBNP at Visit 5 was associated with 6-year increase in LV mass, decline in LV systolic function (ejection fraction, longitudinal and circumferential strain), and worsening of diastolic function (left atrium volume, E/e’, tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity) (all pFigure ). These associations were non-linear. Conclusions: Higher NT-proBNP, but not hs-cTnT, concentrations are associated with greater declines in LV systolic and diastolic function over ~6 years in late life.