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Brain natriuretic peptide predicts mortality in the elderly
T Wallén1, S Landahl, T Hedner
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Vasa Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels predict mortality in elderly individuals. Elevated BNP indicates higher risk, even in those without diagnosed cardiovascular disease, offering valuable prognostic insight.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Assessing mortality risk in the elderly is crucial for public health.
- Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a known marker for cardiac stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of circulating brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations for mortality in a general elderly population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study of 541 85-year-olds in Gothenburg, Sweden.
- BNP levels measured via venous plasma samples.
- Five-year follow-up for overall mortality, with cardiovascular disorder assessment.
Main Results:
- Circulating BNP concentrations significantly predicted five-year mortality in the total elderly cohort (P < 0.001).
- Increased BNP levels correlated with higher mortality in individuals with and without diagnosed cardiovascular disorders (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively).
Conclusions:
- BNP measurements provide valuable prognostic information for mortality prediction in the elderly.
- BNP is a strong, independent predictor of total mortality, particularly in individuals without known cardiovascular disease.