NT-proBNP is a potential mediator between reduced ejection fraction and depression in patients with heart failure

Depression and anxiety are prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF). Reduced ejection fraction (EF) and increased N-terminal-prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been shown to be independently associated with depressive symptoms and may therefore increase HF disease progression and mortality. This study evaluated whether NT-proBNP mediated the impact of reduced EF on depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with HF. Participants (n = 124) were patients with a diagnosis of chronic HF enrolled in the Heart Failure Disease Management Program at Health Sciences North. Subjects were assessed for depressive and anxiety symptoms according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire at enrolment. Ejection fraction, measured through Multigated Acquisition Technique and NT-proBNP, measured through chemiluminescent immunoassay, were obtained at baseline. Patient outcomes were monitored for 12-months after enrollment. Associations were determined using regression and multivariate models. Indirect effects were assessed using mediation analysis. EF and NT-proBNP were highly correlated. Mediation analysis showed no significant direct effect of EF on the levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, however, there was a significant indirect effect of EF on depression that was mediated by the levels of NT-proBNP, but not for EF and anxiety. Our results suggest that NT-proBNP is a potential mechanism linking reduced EF and depressive symptoms in patients with HF. While results are still preliminary, this study suggests that NT-proBNP may be a potential biomarker in identifying HF patients with reduced EF at high risk for depression, disease progression and mortality.