Sex Hormones and Change in N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Natriuretic peptide system in hypertension: Current understandings of its regulation, targeted therapies and future challenges

The natriuretic peptide system (NPS) is the key driving force of the heart's endocrine function. Recent developments in NPS-targeted therapies have been found promising and effective against cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Notably, after discovering crosstalk between NPS and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), various combinations such as neprilysin/angiotensin II receptor type 1 AT1 receptor inhibitors and neprilysin/renin inhibitors have been preclinically and clinically tested against various cardiac complications. However, the therapeutic effects of such combinations on the pathophysiology of hypertension are poorly understood. Furthermore, the complicated phenomena underlying NPS regulation and function, particularly in hypertension, are still unexplored. Mounting evidence suggests that numerous regulatory mechanisms modulate the expression of NPS, which can be used as potential targets against hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this review will specifically focus on epigenetic and other regulators of NPS, identifying prospective regulators that might serve as new therapeutic targets for hypertension. More importantly, it will shed light on recent developments in NPS-targeted therapies, such as M-atrial peptides, and their latest combinations with RAAS modulators, such as S086 and sacubitril-aliskiren. These insights will aid in the development of effective therapies to break the vicious cycle of high blood pressure during hypertension, ultimately addressing the expanding global heart failure pandemic.

Optimal Method for Assessing Right Ventricular to Pulmonary Arterial Coupling in Older Healthy Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Right ventricular (RV) to pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling describes the ability of the RV to augment contractility in response to increased afterload. Several echocardiographic indexes of RV-PA coupling have been defined; however, the optimal numerator in the coupling ratio is unclear. We sought to establish which of these ratios is best for assessing RV-PA coupling based on their relations with 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) in aging adults. In this study of 1,611 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants who underwent echocardiography at Exam 6, we evaluated the association between different numerators, including tricuspid annular planar systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), RV free wall strain, and tissue Doppler imaging S' velocity to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) with 6MWD, NT-proBNP, and KCCQ score, adjusted for socioeconomic and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Our cohort had a mean age of 73 ± 8 years, 54% female, 17% Chinese American, 22% African American, 22% Hispanic, and 39% White participants. The mean ( ± SD) TAPSE/PASP, FAC/PASP, tissue Doppler imaging S' velocity/PASP, and RV free wall strain:PASP ratios were 0.7 ± 0.2, 1.3 ± 0.3, 0.5 ± 0.1, and 0.8 ± 0.2, respectively. All RV-PA coupling indices decreased with age (p <0.0001 for all). TAPSE:PASP ratio was lower in older (³85 years) female (0.59 ± 0.14) versus male (0.65 ± 0.17) participants (p = 0.01), whereas FAC/PASP ratio was higher in the same female versus male participants (p <0.01). TAPSE/PASP and FAC/PASP ratios were significantly and strongly associated with all NT-proBNP, 6MWD, and KCCQ scores in fully adjusted and receiver operating characteristic analysis. In older community-dwelling adults free of heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, both FAC/PASP and TAPSE:PASP ratios are optimal for assessment of RV-PA coupling based on its association with 6MWD, NT-proBNP, and KCCQ score. FAC/PASP ratio has the additional benefit of reflecting age and gender-related geometric and functional changes.

Normative Values of Echocardiographic Chamber Size and Function in Older Healthy Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Echocardiographic (2-dimensional echocardiography) thresholds indicating disease or impaired functional status compared with normal physiological aging in individuals aged ≥65 years are not clearly defined. In the present study, we sought to establish standard values for 2-dimensional echocardiography parameters related to chamber size and function in older adults without cardiopulmonary or cardiometabolic conditions.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study of 3032 individuals who underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography at exam 6 in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), 608 participants fulfilled our inclusion criteria of healthy aging, with normative values defined as the mean ± 1.96 standard deviation and compared across sex and race and ethnicity. Functional status measures included NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), 6-minute walk distance, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Prognostic performance using MESA cutoffs was compared with established guideline cutoffs using time-to-event analysis.

RESULTS

The normative aging cohort (69.5±7.0 years, 46.2% male, 47.5% White) had lower NT-proBNP, higher 6-minute walk distance, and higher (better) Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary values. Women had significantly smaller chamber sizes and better biventricular systolic function. White participants had the largest chamber dimensions, whereas Chinese participants had the smallest, even after adjustment for body size. Current guidelines identified 81.6% of healthy older adults in MESA as having cardiac abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Among a large, diverse group of healthy older adults, we found significant differences in cardiac structure and function by sex and race/ethnicity, which may signal sex-specific cardiac remodeling with advancing age. It is crucial for existing guidelines to consider the observed and clinically significant differences in cardiac structure and function associated with healthy aging. Our study highlights that existing guidelines, which grade abnormalities in echocardiographic cardiac chamber size and function based on younger individuals, may not adequately address the anticipated changes associated with normal aging.

Normative Values of Echocardiographic Chamber Size and Function in Older Healthy Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background

Echocardiographic (2DE) thresholds indicating disease or impaired functional status compared to normal physiologic aging in individuals ≥ 65 years are not clearly defined. In the present study, we sought to establish standard values for 2DE parameters related to chamber size and function in older adults without cardiopulmonary or cardiometabolic conditions.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study of 3032 individuals who underwent 2DE at Exam 6 in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), 608 participants fulfilled our inclusion criteria, with normative values defined as the mean value ± 1.96 standard deviations and compared across sex and race/ethnicity. Functional status measures included NT-proBNP, 6-minute walk distance [6MWD], and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ]. Prognostic performance using MESA cutoffs was compared to established guideline cutoffs using time-to-event analysis.

Results

Participants meeting our inclusion criteria (69.5 ± 7.0 years, 46.2% male, 47.5% White) had lower NT-proBNP, higher 6MWD, and higher (better) KCCQ summary values. Women had significantly smaller chamber sizes and better biventricular systolic function. White participants had the largest chamber dimensions, while Chinese participants had the smallest, even after adjustment for body size. Current guidelines identified 81.6% of healthy older adults in MESA as having cardiac abnormalities.

Conclusions

Among a large, diverse group of healthy older adults, we found significant differences in cardiac structure and function across sexes and races/ethnicities, which may signal sex-specific cardiac remodeling with advancing age. It is crucial for existing guidelines to consider the observed and clinically significant differences in cardiac structure and function associated with healthy aging. Our study highlights that existing guidelines, which grade abnormalities in echocardiographic cardiac chamber size and function based on younger individuals, may not adequately address the anticipated changes associated with normal aging.

Female-specific risk factors of parity and menopause age and risk of carotid plaque: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Female-specific factors of grand multiparity (≥5 births) and early menopause age are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, mechanisms are incompletely understood. Carotid plaque is a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and associated with increased CVD risk. We evaluated the association of female-specific factors with plaque burden.

METHODS

We included 2,313 postmenopausal women in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, free of clinical CVD, whose parity and menopause age were ascertained by questionnaires and carotid plaque measured by ultrasound at baseline and 10 years later. Parity was categorized as nulliparity (reference), 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5 live births. Menopause age was categorized as <45, 45-49, 50-54 (reference) and ≥55 years. Multivariable regression was performed to evaluate the association of parity and menopause age with carotid plaque presence (yes/no) and extent [carotid plaque score (CPS)].

RESULTS

The mean age was 64±9 years; 52.3% had prevalent carotid plaque at baseline. Compared to nulliparity, grand multiparity was significantly associated with prevalent carotid plaque after adjustment for CVD risk factors (prevalence ratio 1.17 (95% CI 1.03-1.35)) and progression of CPS over 10 years [percent difference 13% (95% CI 3-23)]. There was not any significant association of menopause age with carotid plaque presence or progression in fully-adjusted models.

CONCLUSION

In a multiethnic cohort, grand multiparity was independently associated with carotid plaque presence and progression. Early menopause, a known risk factor for CVD, was not captured by carotid plaque in this study. These findings may have implications for refining CVD risk assessment in women.

Body Composition Measures and N-terminal pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in US Adults

BACKGROUND

The associations of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)-derived measures of body mass and composition are largely unknown.

METHODS

We included participants aged ≥20 years from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with NT-pro-BNP and DEXA-derived body composition (fat and lean mass) measures. We used linear and logistic regression to characterize the associations of measures of body mass and composition (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], fat mass, and lean mass) with NT-pro-BNP, adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

We conducted sex-specific analyses among 9134 adults without cardiovascular disease (mean age 44.4 years, 50.8% women, and 72% White adults). The adjusted mean NT-proBNP values were lowest in the highest quartiles of BMI, WC, fat mass, and lean mass. There were large adjusted absolute differences in NT-pro-BNP between the highest and lowest quartiles of DEXA-derived lean mass, -6.26 pg/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], -8.99 to -3.52) among men and -22.96 pg/mL (95% CI, -26.83 to -19.09) among women. Lean mass exhibited a strong inverse association with elevated NT-pro-BNP ≥ 81.4 pg/mL (highest quartile) - odds ratio (OR) 0.58 (95% CI, 0.39-0.86) in men and OR 0.59 (95% CI, 0.47-0.73) in women for highest lean mass quartile vs. lowest quartile. Further adjustment for fat mass, BMI, or WC did not appreciably alter the inverse association of lean mass with NT-pro-BNP.

CONCLUSIONS

In a national sample of US adults, lean mass was inversely associated with NT-pro-BNP.

Characteristics of Right Ventricular to Pulmonary Arterial Coupling and Association With Functional Status Among Older Aged Adults from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Although the echocardiographic:derived ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) is an important prognostic tool in heart failure (HF), the relation with 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is less established. We sought to establish the normative values of TAPSE:PASP among older adults without cardiovascular disease (CVD) and evaluate the relation with NT-proBNP and 6MWD. Among 1,542 participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis-HF ancillary study, the cross-sectional association of TAPSE:PASP with the outcomes of 6MWD and NT-proBNP was analyzed using multivariable linear regression, with progressive adjustment for sociodemographic and CVD risk factors. Our cohort had a mean age (SD) of 73 ± 8 years, 55% women, and a mean TAPSE:PASP ratio of 0.68 ± 0.16. In the unadjusted analysis, increasing tertiles of TAPSE:PASP were associated with younger age, less diabetes, higher estimated glomerular filtration rate, and less antihypertensive medication use. The TAPSE:PASP ratio significantly correlated with both 6MWD and NT-proBNP in the fully adjusted models. A 1-unit increment in TAPSE:PASP was associated with an adjusted 9.9% (4.8% to 15.2%) higher 6MWD, whereas a 1-unit increment in TAPSE:PASP was associated with an adjusted 38.0% (16.0% to 54.2%) lower NT-proBNP. There was a significant gender interaction of the association of TAPSE:PASP ratio and 6MWD, with stronger association seen in women. Among multiethnic older adults free of clinical CVD, the TAPSE:PASP ratio decreased with age, especially in women and was associated with decreased 6MWD and increasing NT-proBNP, the markers of subclinical HF.

The association of sex-specific hormones with coronary artery plaque characteristics from Miami Heart (MiHeart) study

Objective

The association of sex-specific hormones with coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)-based plaque characteristics in women without cardiovascular disease is not well understood. We investigated the association of sex-specific hormones with coronary artery plaque characteristics in a contemporary multiracial cohort with no clinical coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

In this cross-sectional analysis, we utilized data from 2,325 individuals with no clinical CAD from the Miami Heart (MiHeart) study. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of sex hormones: sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), free and total testosterone, estradiol, with plaque characteristics among women and men.

Results

Of the 1,155 women, 34.2% had any plaque and 3.4% had any high-risk plaque features (HRP) while among men (n = 1170), 63.1% had any plaque and 10.4% had HRP. Among women, estradiol and SHBG were associated with lower odds of any plaque after adjusting for age and race-ethnicity (estradiol OR per SD increase: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.76-0.98; SHBG OR per SD increase: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.72-0.93) but the significance did not persist after adjustment of cardiovascular risk factors. High free testosterone was associated with higher odds of HRP (aOR:3.48, 95%CI:1.07-11.26) but null associations for the other sex hormones with HRP, in the context of limited sample size. Among men, there were no significant associations between sex-specific hormones and plaque or HRP.

Conclusion

Among young to middle-aged women with no clinical CAD, increasing estradiol and SHBG were associated with lower odds of any plaque and higher free testosterone was associated with HRP. Larger cohorts may be needed to validate this.

Women's Reproductive Milestones and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Review of Reports and Opportunities From the CARDIA Study

In 1985 to 1986, the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study enrolled 5115 Black or White participants, including 2788 women, aged 18 to 30 years. Over the following 35 years, the CARDIA study amassed extensive longitudinal data on women's reproductive milestones, spanning menarche to menopause. Although not initially conceived as a study of women's health, >75 CARDIA study publications address relationships between reproductive factors and events with cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, subclinical and clinical cardiovascular disease, and social determinants of health. The CARDIA study was one of the earliest population-based reports to note Black-White differences in age at menarche and associations with cardiovascular risk factors. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly gestational diabetes and preterm birth, have been assessed along with postpartum behaviors, such as lactation. Existing studies have examined risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes and lactation, as well as their relationship to future cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, diagnoses, and subclinical atherosclerosis. Ancillary studies examining components of polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian biomarkers, such as anti-Müllerian hormone, have facilitated examination of reproductive health in a population-based cohort of young adult women. As the cohort transitioned through menopause, examination of the importance of premenopausal cardiovascular risk factors along with menopause has improved our understanding of shared mechanisms. The cohort is now aged in the 50s to mid-60s, and women will begin to experience a greater number of cardiovascular events as well as other conditions, such as cognitive impairment. Thus, in the next decade, the CARDIA study will provide a unique resource for understanding how the women's reproductive life course epidemiology informs cardiovascular risk, as well as reproductive and chronological aging.

Sex and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide: The potential mediating role of iron biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Levels of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a marker of heart failure and cardiovascular risk, are generally higher in women than men. We explored whether iron biomarkers mediate sex differences in NT-proBNP levels.

METHODS

We included 5,343 community-dwelling individuals from the Prevention of Renal and Vascular Endstage Disease study. With linear regression analyses, we investigated the association of sex and iron biomarkers with NT-proBNP levels, independent of adjustment for potential confounders. The assessed iron biomarkers included ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), hepcidin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Next, we performed mediation analyses to investigate to which extent iron biomarkers influence the association between sex and NT-proBNP.

RESULTS

Of the included 5,343 participants, the mean standard deviation age was 52.2 ± 11.6 years and 52% were females. After adjustment for potential confounders, women compared to men, had higher NT-proBNP (β = 0.31; 95%CI = 0.29, 0.34), but lower ferritin (β = -0.37; 95%CI = -0.39, -0.35), hepcidin (β = -0.22, 95%CI = -0.24, -0.20), and TSAT (β = -0.07, 95% CI = -0.08, -0.06). Lower ferritin (β = -0.05, 95%CI = -0.08, -0.02), lower hepcidin (β = -0.04, 95%CI = -0.07, -0.006), and higher TSAT (β = 0.07; 95%CI = 0.01, 0.13) were associated with higher NT-proBNP. In mediation analyses, ferritin and hepcidin explained 6.5 and 3.1% of the association between sex and NT-proBNP, respectively, while TSAT minimally suppressed (1.9%) this association.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that iron biomarkers marginally explain sex differences in levels of NT-proBNP. Future studies are needed to explore causality and potential mechanisms underlying these pathways.

Epidemiology of Asymptomatic Pre-heart Failure: a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To quantify the prevalence of asymptomatic pre-heart failure (pre-HF), progression to more severe stages, and associated mortality.

RECENT FINDINGS

A systematic review was conducted between 01 January 2010 and 12 March 2020 (PROSPERO: CRD42020176141). Data of interest included prevalence, disease progression, and mortality rates. In total, 1030 sources were identified, of which, 12 reported on pre-HF (using the ACC/AHA definition for stage B HF) and were eligible. Prevalence estimates of pre-HF ranged from 11 to 42.7% (10 sources) with higher estimates found in the elderly, in patients with hypertension, and in men. Three studies reported on disease progression with follow-up ranging from 13 months to 7 years. The incidence of symptomatic HF (HF/advanced HF) ranged from 0.63 to 9.8%, and all-cause mortality from 1.6 to 5.4%. Further research is required to investigate whether early detection and intervention can slow or stop the progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic HF.

Associations between endogenous sex hormones and FGF-23 among women and men in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Elevated levels of testosterone and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) are both independently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the relationship between sex hormones and FGF-23 is not well established. We explored the association between sex hormones and FGF-23 among middle-aged to older men and women in MESA. We studied 3,052 men and 2,868 postmenopausal women free of CVD at the time of enrollment with baseline serum sex hormones [total testosterone (T), free T, estradiol (E2) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)] and intact FGF-23. In sex-stratified analyses, we examined the cross-sectional associations between log-transformed sex hormones (per 1 SD) and log-transformed FGF-23 using multiple linear regression adjusted for socio-demographics, CVD risk factors, estimated glomerular filtration rate and mineral metabolites (25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone). The mean (SD) age of study participants was 64 (10) years. The median (IQR) of FGF-23 was similar in women and men [38 (30-46) vs 38 (31-47) pg/mL]. In adjusted analyses, among women, 1 SD increment in free T was associated with 3% higher FGF-23 while SHBG was associated with 2% lower FGF-23. In men, 1 SD increment in E2 was associated with 6% higher FGF-23 whereas total T/E2 ratio was associated with 7% lower FGF-23. In conclusion, this exploratory analysis found that a more androgenic sex hormone profile was directly associated with FGF-23 in women and inversely associated with FGF-23 in men. Longitudinal studies are required to determine whether FGF-23 mediates the relationship between sex hormones and CVD risk.

Sexual Dimorphism in Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Clinical and Research Implications

Sex-based differences in cardiovascular disease presentation, diagnosis, and response to therapies are well established, but mechanistic understanding and translation to clinical applications are limited. Blood-based biomarkers have become an important tool for interrogating biologic pathways. Understanding sexual dimorphism in the relationship between biomarkers and cardiovascular disease will enhance our insights into cardiovascular disease pathogenesis in women, with potential to translate to improved individualized care for men and women with or at risk for cardiovascular disease. In this review, we examine how biologic sex associates with differential levels of blood-based biomarkers and influences the effect of biomarkers on disease outcomes. We further summarize key differences in blood-based cardiovascular biomarkers along central biologic pathways, including myocardial stretch/injury, inflammation, adipose tissue metabolism, and fibrosis pathways in men versus women. Finally, we present recommendations for leveraging our current knowledge of sex differences in blood-based biomarkers for future research and clinical innovation.

Associations of endogenous sex hormone levels with the prevalence and progression of valvular and thoracic aortic calcification in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sex hormones (SH) may contribute to sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). High free testosterone (T) and low sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) have been associated with progression of coronary artery calcification in women. We now examined the association of SH with extra-coronary calcification (ECC) prevalence and progression among MESA participants.

METHODS

We studied 2,737 postmenopausal women and 3,130 men free of clinical CVD with baseline SH levels. ECC measurements [ascending and descending thoracic aortic calcification (ATAC, DTAC), mitral annular calcification (MAC), aortic valve calcification (AVC)] were obtained by computed tomography at baseline and after 2.4 ± 0.9 years. We used multivariable Poisson regression to evaluate associations with ECC prevalence and incidence (Agatston scores >0) and linear mixed effects models for ECC progression, per 1-SD increment in log(SH) in women and men separately.

RESULTS

The mean age was 65 ± 9 and 62 ± 10 years for women and men, respectively. In women, greater free T and lower SHBG were associated with MAC incidence in a demographic-adjusted model only. In men, lower free T was associated with MAC prevalence, DTAC incidence and progression, while greater SHBG was associated with MAC prevalence and DTAC progression after further adjusting for CVD risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this diverse cohort free of CVD, we found some associations of SH with ECC measures. In particular, free T was inversely associated with prevalent MAC and DTAC progression in men independent of CVD risk factors. SH may influence vascular calcification, but further work is needed to understand clinical implications of these findings.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Incident Heart Failure Subtypes: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a cytokine and marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Less is known about HGF and incident heart failure (HF). We examined the association of HGF with incident HF and its subtypes in a multiethnic cohort.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 6597 participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort, free of clinical CVD and HF at baseline, with HGF measured at baseline. Incident hospitalized HF was assessed and adjudicated for HF with preserved ejection fracture (HFpEF) vs HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Cox regression models estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for HF risk by HGF levels, adjusted for socio-demographics, CVD risk factors and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. The mean age was 62 ± 10 years. The median HGF level was 950 pg/mL (interquartile range, 758-1086 pg/mL); 53% were women. Over 14 years (IQR, 11.5-14.7 years), there were 324 cases of HF (133 HFpEF and 157 HFrEF). For the highest HGF tertile compared with lowest, adjusted HRs were 1.59 (95% CI, 1.10-2.31), 1.90 (95% CI, 1.03-3.51), and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.65-1.82) for overall HF, HFpEF, and HFrEF, respectively. For continuous analysis per 1-standard deviation log-transformed HGF, adjusted HRs were 1.22 (95% CI, 1.06-1.41), 1.35 (95% CI, 1.09-1.69), and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.81-1.24) for HF, HFpEF, and HFrEF, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HGF was independently associated with incident HF. HGF remained significantly associated with HFpEF but not HFrEF upon subtype assessment. Future studies should examine the mechanisms underlying these associations and evaluate whether HGF can be used to improve HF risk prediction or direct therapy.

NT-proBNP for Risk Prediction in Heart Failure: Identification of Optimal Cutoffs Across Body Mass Index Categories

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to assess the predictive power of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the decision cutoffs in heart failure (HF) across body mass index (BMI) categories.

BACKGROUND

Concentrations of NT-proBNP predict outcome in HF. Although the influence of BMI to reduce levels of NT-proBNP is known, the impact of obesity on prognostic value remains uncertain.

METHODS

Individual data from the BIOS (Biomarkers In Heart Failure Outpatient Study) consortium were analyzed. Patients with stable HF were classified as underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²), and mildly (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m²), moderately (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m²), or severely (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) obese. The prognostic role of NT-proBNP was tested for the endpoints of all-cause and cardiac death.

RESULTS

The study population included 12,763 patients (mean age 66 ± 12 years; 25% women; mean left ventricular ejection fraction 33% ± 13%). Most patients were overweight (n = 5,176), followed by normal weight (n = 4,299), mildly obese (n = 2,157), moderately obese (n = 612), severely obese (n = 314), and underweight (n = 205). NT-proBNP inversely correlated with BMI (β = -0.174 for 1 kg/m²; P < 0.001). Adding NT-proBNP to clinical models improved risk prediction across BMI categories, with the exception of severely obese patients. The best cutoffs of NT-proBNP for 5-year all-cause death prediction were lower as BMI increased (3,785 ng/L, 2,193 ng/L, 1,554 ng/L, 1,045 ng/L, 755 ng/L, and 879 ng/L, for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and mildly, moderately, and severely obese patients, respectively) and were higher in women than in men.

CONCLUSIONS

NT-proBNP maintains its independent prognostic value up to 40 kg/m² BMI, and lower optimal risk-prediction cutoffs are observed in overweight and obese patients.

Association of Longitudinal Changes in NT-proBNP With Changes in Left Atrial Volume and Function: MESA

BACKGROUND

The mechanism of left atrial (LA) remodeling is poorly understood. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether changes in NT-proBNP levels relate to alterations of LA structure and function over time in a multiethnic population.

METHODS

From the prospective cohort study, the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, our analysis included 1,838 participants who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at the baseline and 10-year examinations, had NT-proBNP levels available at both time points, and did not develop heart failure, myocardial infarction, and/or atrial fibrillation. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the association between NT-proBNP level (log-transformed) at the 2 time points and change in LA volumes, LA emptying fractions (total, active, and passive), and LA longitudinal strain. Log NT-proBNP was categorized into Low-Low (N = 681), Low-High (N = 238), High-Low (N = 237), and High-High (N = 682) based on the median value at both time points.

RESULTS

With the Low-Low group as the reference group, the High-High group experienced a greater increase in LA maximum and minimum indexed volumes: 3.1 ml/m2 (95% confidence interval 1.98, 4.20) and 2.7 ml/m2 (1.89, 3.51), respectively. The High-High group also experienced a greater decrease in LA total, passive, active emptying fraction, and longitudinal strain: -3.3% (-4.46, -2.11), -0.9% (-1.80, -0.02), -4.2% (-5.55, -2.76), and -2.3% (-3.80, -0.72), respectively. The Low-High group had similar associations, but the effect sizes were not as high.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse LA remodeling over 10 years of follow-up strongly correlates with prolonged elevated levels of intracardiac stress, as assessed by NT-proBNP levels.

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate and 10-year change in left ventricular mass: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Purpose: Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a second messenger for natriuretic peptide (NP) and nitric oxide pathways; its enhancement a target for heart failure and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated whether plasma cGMP was associated with change in left ventricular mass (LVM) among individuals free of CVD and if this differed by sex.Methods and Results: In 611 men and 612 women aged 45-84 years with plasma cGMP measured at baseline and cardiac MRI performed at baseline and 10 years later, we tested associations of cGMP [log-transformed, per 1 SD increment] with LVM, adjusting for CVD risk factors and N-terminal pro-B-type-NP (NT-proBNP). Participants had mean (SD) age of 63.1(8.5) years and cGMP 4.8(2.6) pmol/mL. Cross-sectionally, higher cGMP was associated with lesser LVM, non-lin- early. In contrast, longitudinally, higher cGMP was associated with increase in LVM [1.70g (0.61, 2.78)] over 10 years. Higher cGMP was associated with greater LVM change in men [2.68g (1.57, 3.79)] but not women [0.24g ((-0.92, 1.39); p-interaction < 0.001].Conclusion: In conclusion, in a community-based cohort, higher cGMP levels were associated with increase in LVM over 10 years independent of CVD risk factors and NT-proBNP in men, perhaps reflecting compensatory changes. Further studies are needed to understand mechanistic roles of cGMP in LV remodelling and associated sex differences.

Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network: Summary of Findings and Network Outcomes

The Go Red for Women movement was initiated by the American Heart Association (AHA) in the early 2000s to raise awareness concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women. In 2016, the AHA funded 5 research centers across the United States to advance our knowledge of the risks and presentation of CVD that are specific to women. This report highlights the findings of the centers, showing how insufficient sleep, sedentariness, and pregnancy-related complications may increase CVD risk in women, as well as presentation and factors associated with myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women. These projects were augmented by collaborative ancillary studies assessing the relationships between various lifestyle behaviors, including nightly fasting duration, mindfulness, and behavioral and anthropometric risk factors and CVD risk, as well as metabolomic profiling of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women. The Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network enhanced the evidence base related to heart disease in women, promoting awareness of the female-specific factors that influence CVD.

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and the risk of heart failure in postmenopausal women of the ARIC Study

OBJECTIVE

We investigated isolated and joint effects of early menopause (occurrence before 45 y of age) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T elevation (hs-cTnT ≥ 14 ng/L) on heart failure (HF) incidence in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

We included 2,276 postmenopausal women, aged 67-90 years, with hs-cTnT measurements and without prevalent HF from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study Visit 5 (2011-2013). Women were categorized according to early menopause and hs-cTnT group. Cox proportional hazards models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 5.5 years, we observed 104 HF events. The incidence rates of HF were greater in women with hs-cTnT elevation when compared to those without hs-cTnT elevation. In unadjusted analysis, the hazard ratios for incident HF were threefold greater in women with hs-cTnT elevation, with or without early menopause, (3.03 [95% CI, 1.59-5.77]) and (3.29 [95% CI, 2.08-5.21]), respectively, but not significantly greater in women with early menopause without hs-cTnT elevation, when compared to women with neither early menopause nor hs-cTnT elevation at Visit 5. After adjusting for HF risk factors and NT-pro B-type natriuretic peptide, these associations were attenuated and became nonsignificant for women with hs-cTnT elevation, but became stronger and significant for women with early menopause without hs-cTnT elevation (2.39 [95% CI, 1.28-4.46]).

CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of early menopause status, hs-cTnT elevation is associated with greater HF incidence but this association is partially explained by HF risk factors. Even in the absence of hs-cTnT elevation, early menopause is significantly associated with HF incidence after accounting for HF risk factors.

Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Older Men and Women

CONTEXT

Lower dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) levels have been inconsistently associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality. Data are limited for heart failure (HF) and association between DHEA-S change and events.

OBJECTIVE

Assess associations between low DHEA-S/DHEA-S change and incident HF hospitalization, CHD, and mortality in older adults.

DESIGN

DHEA-S was measured in stored plasma from visits 4 (1996-1998) and 5 (2011-2013) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Follow-up for incident events: 18 years for DHEA-S level; 5.5 years for DHEA-S change.

SETTING

General community.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals without prevalent cardiovascular disease (n = 8143, mean age 63 years).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Associations between DHEA-S and incident HF hospitalization, CHD, or mortality; associations between 15-year change in DHEA-S (n = 3706) and cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

DHEA-S below the 15th sex-specific percentile of the study population (men: 55.4 µg/dL; women: 27.4 µg/dL) was associated with increased HF hospitalization (men: hazard ratio [HR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.58; women: HR 1.42, 95% CI, 1.13-1.79); DHEA-S below the 25th sex-specific percentile (men: 70.0 µg/dL; women: 37.1 µg/dL) was associated with increased death (men: HR 1.12, 95% CI, 1.01-1.25; women: HR 1.19, 95% CI, 1.03-1.37). In men, but not women, greater percentage decrease in DHEA-S was associated with increased HF hospitalization (HR 1.94, 95% CI, 1.11-3.39). Low DHEA-S and change in DHEA-S were not associated with incident CHD.

CONCLUSIONS

Low DHEA-S is associated with increased risk for HF and mortality but not CHD. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate mechanisms underlying these associations.

Association of the Novel Inflammatory Marker GlycA and Incident Heart Failure and Its Subtypes of Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

GlycA, a nuclear magnetic resonance composite marker of systemic inflammation, reflects serum concentration and glycosylation state of main acute phase reactants. Prior studies have shown plasma GlycA levels were associated with cardiovascular disease even after adjusting for other inflammatory markers. However, little is known about the association of GlycA with the heart failure (HF) subtypes: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. We examined the association of GlycA with incident HF and its subtypes in a multiethnic cohort.

METHODS

We studied 6507 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants aged 45 to 84 without baseline cardiovascular disease or HF who had data on GlycA and incident hospitalized HF. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox hazards models to evaluate the association of GlycA with incident total HF, HFpEF, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Models were adjusted for sociodemographics, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and inflammatory biomarkers.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) for age was 62 (10) years and for GlycA was 375 (82) μmol/L; 53% women. Over a median follow-up of 14.0 years, participants in the highest quartile of GlycA, compared with the lowest, experienced increased risk of developing any HF (hazard ratio, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.01-2.18]) in fully adjusted models. However, this increased risk was only seen for HFpEF (2.18 [1.15-4.13]) and not heart failure with reduced ejection fraction [1.06 (0.63-1.79)]. There was no significant interaction by sex, age, or race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

GlycA was associated with an increased risk of any HF, and in particular, HFpEF. Future studies should examine mechanisms that might explain differential association of GlycA with HF subtypes, and whether therapeutic lowering of GlycA can prevent HFpEF development. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00005487.

Sex-related differences in contemporary biomarkers for heart failure: a review

The use of circulating biomarkers for heart failure (HF) is engrained in contemporary cardiovascular practice and provides objective information about various pathophysiological pathways associated with HF syndrome. However, biomarker profiles differ considerably among women and men. For instance, in the general population, markers of cardiac stretch (natriuretic peptides) and fibrosis (galectin‐3) are higher in women, whereas markers of cardiac injury (cardiac troponins) and inflammation (sST2) are higher in men. Such differences may reflect sex‐specific pathogenic processes associated with HF risk, but may also arise as a result of differences in sex hormone profiles and fat distribution. From a clinical perspective, sex‐related differences in biomarker levels may affect the objectivity of biomarkers in HF management because what is considered to be ‘normal’ in one sex may not be so in the other. The objectives of this review are, therefore: (i) to examine the sex‐specific dynamics of clinically relevant HF biomarkers in the general population, as well as in HF patients; (ii) to discuss the overlap between sex‐related and obesity‐related effects, and (iii) to identify knowledge gaps to stimulate research on sex‐related differences in HF.

Effect of Testosterone on Natriuretic Peptide Levels

BACKGROUND

Circulating natriuretic peptide (NP) levels are markedly lower in healthy men than women. A relative NP deficiency in men could contribute to their higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological studies suggest testosterone may contribute to sex-specific NP differences.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the effect of testosterone administration on NP levels using a randomized, placebo-controlled design.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-one healthy men (20 to 50 years of age) received goserelin acetate to suppress endogenous production of gonadal steroids, and anastrazole to suppress conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Subjects were randomized to placebo gel or 4 different doses of testosterone (1%) gel for 12 weeks. Serum N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and total testosterone levels were measured at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

Men who did not receive testosterone replacement (placebo gel group) after suppression of endogenous gonadal steroid production experienced a profound decrease in serum testosterone (median 540 to 36 ng/dl; p < 0.0001). This was accompanied by an increase in median NT-proBNP (+8 pg/ml; p = 0.02). Each 1-g increase in testosterone dose was associated with a 4.3% lower NT-proBNP at follow-up (95% confidence interval: -7.9% to -0.45%; p = 0.029). An individual whose serum testosterone decreased by 500 ng/dl had a 26% higher predicted follow-up NT-proBNP than someone whose serum testosterone remained constant.

CONCLUSIONS

Suppression of testosterone production in men led to increases in circulating NT-proBNP, which were attenuated by testosterone replacement. Inhibition of NP production by testosterone may partly explain the lower NP levels in men. (Dose-Response of Gonadal Steroids and Bone Turnover in Men; NCT00114114).

Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate and Risk of Incident Heart Failure and Other Cardiovascular Events: the ARIC Study

Background

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a second messenger regulated through natriuretic peptide and nitric oxide pathways. Stimulation of cGMP signaling is a potential therapeutic strategy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We hypothesized that plasma cGMP levels would be associated with lower risk for incident HFpEF, any HF, ASCVD, and coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods and Results

We conducted a case–cohort analysis nested in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study. Plasma cGMP was measured in 875 participants at visit 4 (1996–1998), with oversampling of incident HFpEF cases. We used Cox proportional hazard models to assess associations of cGMP with incident HFpEF, HF, ASCVD (CHD+stroke), and CHD. The mean (SD) age was 62.4 (5.6) years and median (interquartile interval) cGMP was 3.4 pmol/mL (2.4–4.6). During a median follow‐up of 9.9 years, there were 283 incident cases of HFpEF, 329 any HF, 151 ASCVD, and 125 CHD. In models adjusted for CVD risk factors, the hazard ratios (95% CI) associated with the highest cGMP tertile compared with lowest for HFpEF, HF, ASCVD, and CHD were 1.88 (1.17–3.02), 2.18 (1.18–4.06), 2.84 (1.44–5.60), and 2.43 (1.19–5.00), respectively. In models further adjusted for N‐terminal‐proB‐type natriuretic peptide, associations were attenuated for HFpEF and HF but remained statistically significant for ASCVD (2.56 [1.26–5.20]) and CHD (2.25 [1.07–4.71]).

Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, higher cGMP levels were associated with incident CVD in a community‐based cohort. The associations of cGMP with HF or HFpEF may be explained by N‐terminal‐proB‐type natriuretic peptide, but not for ASCVD and CHD.

Change in NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) Level and Risk of Dementia in Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Cross-sectionally measured NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) is related to incident dementia. However, data linking changes in NT-proBNP to risk of future dementia are lacking. We aimed to examine the association of change in NT-proBNP over 3.2 years with incident dementia. We included 4563 participants in MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) prospective cohort who were free of cardiovascular disease at enrollment, had NT-proBNP level measured at MESA exams 1 (baseline, 2000-2002) and 3 (2004-2005), and had no diagnosis of dementia before exam 3. The association of change in NT-proBNP level between MESA exams 1 through 3 and all-cause hospitalized dementia (by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes) after MESA exam 3 (2004-2005) through 2015 was assessed using competing-risks Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. During 45 522 person-years of follow-up, 223 dementia cases were documented. Increase in log-NT-proBNP from MESA exams 1 through 3 was positively associated with incidence of dementia (multivariable hazard ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.001-1.64]; P=0.049). An increase of at least 25% in NT-proBNP level from MESA exam 1 through 3 was associated with a 55% (P=0.02) increase in the risk of dementia in multivariable analysis. Addition of temporal NT-proBNP change to a model including risk factors and baseline NT-proBNP improved the prediction of dementia (Harrell C statistic from 0.85 to 0.87, P=0.049). Increase in NT-proBNP is independently associated with future all-cause hospitalized dementia and offers a moderately better predictive performance for risk of dementia compared with risk factors and baseline NT-proBNP. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00005487.

Associations Between the Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Pathway and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: MESA

Background

cGMP mediates numerous cardioprotective functions and is a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. Preclinical studies suggest that plasma cGMP is reflective of natriuretic peptide stimulation. Epidemiologic associations between cGMP and natriuretic peptide, as well as cardiovascular disease risk factors, are unknown.

Methods and Results

We measured plasma cGMP in 542 men and 496 women free of cardiovascular disease and heart failure in MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). Cross‐sectional associations of N‐terminal pro‐B type natriuretic peptide, sex hormones, and cardiovascular disease/heart failure risk factors with log(cGMP) were analyzed using multivariable linear regression models. Mean (SD) cGMP was 4.7 (2.6) pmol/mL, with no difference between the sexes. After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, N‐terminal pro‐B type natriuretic peptide was significantly positively associated with cGMP (P<0.05). Higher blood pressure and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate were associated with higher cGMP (P<0.05). Triglyceride levels, total/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, presence of diabetes mellitus, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were inversely associated with cGMP (P<0.05). Among women, free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were inversely associated with cGMP, while sex hormone binding globulin was positively associated (P<0.05).

Conclusions

In a community‐cohort, plasma cGMP was associated with natriuretic peptide signaling. Higher blood pressure and greater renal dysfunction were positively associated with cGMP, while adverse metabolic risk factors were inversely associated. Increased androgenicity in postmenopausal women was inversely associated with cGMP. These novel associations further our understanding of the role of cGMP in a general population.

Multiparity is associated with poorer cardiovascular health among women from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiparity is associated with a greater risk of incident cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship of parity with cardiovascular health, as measured by the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 metrics, is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the association between parity and ideal cardiovascular health among 3430 women, aged 45-84 years, free of clinical cardiovascular disease enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

STUDY DESIGN

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis is a prospective cohort study that recruited middle-aged to older women and men from 6 centers in the United States between 2000 and 2002. The study population comprised 38% White, 28% Black, 23% Hispanic, and 11% Chinese American subjects. Parity (total number of live births) was self-reported and categorized as 0, 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5. The Life's Simple 7 metrics, defined according to American Heart Association criteria, include health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, body mass index, diet) and health factors (blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose). We categorized each metric into ideal (2 points), intermediate (1 point), and poor (0 points). A total cardiovascular health score of 0-8 was considered inadequate; 9-10, average; and 11-14, optimal. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the cross-sectional association between parity and the cardiovascular health score, adjusted for sociodemographics, field site, hormone therapy, and menopause.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) age was 62 (10) years. The mean (standard deviation) cardiovascular health score was lower with higher parity (8.9 [2.3], 8.7 [2.3], 8.5 [2.2], and 7.8 [2.0] for 0, 1-2, 3-4, and ≥5 live births, respectively). In comparison to inadequate cardiovascular health scores, the adjusted odds of average cardiovascular health scores were significantly lower for all parity categories relative to nulliparity (prevalence odds ratios [OR] for parity of 1-2, 0.64 [95% confidence interval 0.49-0.83]; 3-4, 0.65 [0.49-0.86]; ≥5, 0.64 [0.45-0.91]). Women with ≥5 live births had a lower prevalence of optimal cardiovascular health scores (OR 0.50 [0.30-0.83]). In the fully adjusted models, the association between parity and each Life's Simple 7 metric was only statistically significant for body mass index. Women with ≥5 live births had lower prevalence of ideal body mass index (OR 0.52 [0.35-0.80]). In addition, the test for interaction showed that the association between parity and cardiovascular health was not modified by race/ethnicity (P = .81 for average cardiovascular health scores and P = .20 for optimal cardiovascular health scores).

CONCLUSION

Multiparity was associated with poorer cardiovascular health, especially for women with ≥5 live births. More research is required to explore the mechanisms by which parity may worsen cardiovascular health.

Sex differences in the association between ideal cardiovascular health and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease among adults in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis from the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the sex differences in the associations between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH), measured by the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 metrics, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related biomarkers among an ethnically diverse cohort of women and men free of clinical CVD at baseline.

SETTING

We analysed data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis conducted in six centres across the USA (Baltimore, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; Forsyth County, North Carolina; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; and St Paul, Minnesota).

PARTICIPANTS

This is a cross-sectional study of 5379 women and men, aged 45-84 years old. Mean age (SD) was 62 (10), 52% were women, 38% White, 11% Chinese American, 28% Black and 23% Hispanic.

PRIMARY MEASURES

The seven metrics (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose) were each scored as 0 points (poor), 1 point (intermediate) or 2 points (ideal). The total CVH score ranged from 0 to 14. The CVD-related biomarkers studied were high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, D-dimer, fibrinogen, homocysteine, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and interleukin 6. We examined the association between the CVH score and each biomarker using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, income and health insurance status.

RESULTS

Higher CVH scores were associated with lower concentrations of all biomarkers, except for NT-proBNP where we found a direct association. There were statistically significant interactions by sex for all biomarkers (p<0.001), but results were qualitatively similar between women and men.

CONCLUSION

A more favourable CVH score was associated with lower levels of multiple CVD-related biomarkers for women and men, except for NT-proBNP. These data suggest that promotion of ideal CVH would have similarly favourable impact on the reduction of biomarkers of CVD risk for both women and men.

Effects of Sacubitril-Valsartan Versus Valsartan in Women Compared With Men With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights From PARAGON-HF

BACKGROUND

Unlike heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there is no approved treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, the predominant phenotype in women. Therefore, there is a greater heart failure therapeutic deficit in women compared with men.

METHODS

In a prespecified subgroup analysis, we examined outcomes according to sex in the PARAGON-HF trial (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ARB Global Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction), which compared sacubitril-valsartan and valsartan in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The primary outcome was a composite of first and recurrent hospitalizations for heart failure and death from cardiovascular causes. We also report secondary efficacy and safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 2479 women (51.7%) and 2317 men (48.3%) were randomized. Women were older and had more obesity, less coronary disease, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) levels than men. For the primary outcome, the rate ratio for sacubitril-valsartan versus valsartan was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.59-0.90) in women and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.84-1.25) in men (P interaction = 0.017). The benefit from sacubitril-valsartan was attributable to reduction in heart failure hospitalization. The improvement in New York Heart Association class and renal function with sacubitril-valsartan was similar in women and men, whereas the improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score was less in women than in men. The difference in adverse events between sacubitril-valsartan and valsartan was similar in women and men.

CONCLUSIONS

As compared with valsartan, sacubitril-valsartan seemed to reduce the risk of heart failure hospitalization more in women than in men. Whereas the possible sex-related modification of the effect of treatment has several potential explanations, the present study does not provide a definite mechanistic basis for this finding.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01920711.

Endogenous Sex Hormones and Endothelial Function in Postmenopausal Women and Men: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background: The relationship of endogenous sex hormones (SH) with vascular endothelial function and with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is incompletely understood. We examined the associations between SH and endothelial function measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Materials and Methods: We included 1368 postmenopausal women and 1707 men, free of clinical CVD, participating in MESA Visit 1 (2000-2002). Serum SH [total testosterone, SH binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estradiol] were measured; free testosterone was calculated. The percent FMD difference (%FMD) was measured by high-resolution ultrasound. Using multivariable-adjusted linear regression, we tested the cross-sectional associations of SH (log transformed, compared per one SD increment) with %FMD. Results: The mean age of women and men were 64.2 and 61.4 years, respectively. Among women, after adjusting for demographics, CVD risk factors, and hormone therapy, higher SHBG was associated with greater %FMD [β = 0.215% (95% CI 0.026-0.405)], whereas higher free testosterone was associated with a smaller %FMD [-0.209% (-0.402, -0.017)]. Estradiol and DHEA were not associated with %FMD in women after multivariable adjustment. There was an age interaction, with higher free testosterone and lower SHBG associated with worse FMD in women <65 years of age, but not in those ≥65 years (p = 0.04). We did not see similar associations in men. Conclusions: A more androgenic SH profile of higher free testosterone and lower SHBG was associated with worse %FMD in postmenopausal women. Changes in SH with aging and menopause may result in vascular changes in women. Further studies are needed to assess longitudinal changes in SH levels and their association with vascular function.

Race-based demographic, anthropometric and clinical correlates of N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide

BACKGROUND

Population studies have shown that black race is a natriuretic peptide (NP) deficiency state. We sought to assess whether the effects of age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on N-terminal-pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP) levels differ in white and black individuals.

METHODS

The study population consisted of a stratified random cohort from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. The study outcomes were the effects of age, sex, BMI and eGFR on NT-proBNP levels independent of socioeconomic and cardiovascular disease factors. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the effects of age, sex, BMI and eGFR on NT-proBNP levels in blacks and whites.

RESULTS

Of the 27,679 participants in the weighted sample, 54.7% were females, 40.6% were black, and the median age was 64 years. Every 10-year higher age was associated with 38% [95% confidence interval (CI): 30%-45%] and 34% (95% CI: 22%-43%) higher NT-proBNP levels in whites and blacks, respectively. Female sex was associated with 31% (95% CI: 20%-43%) higher NT-proBNP levels in whites and 28% (95% CI: 15%-45%) higher in blacks. There was a significant linear inverse relationship between BMI and NT-proBNP in whites and a non-linear inverse relationship in blacks. Whites and blacks had a non-linear inverse relationship between eGFR and NT-proBNP. However, the non-linear relationship between NT-proBNP and eGFR differed by race (p = 0.01 for interaction).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of age and sex with NT-proBNP levels was similar in blacks and whites but the form of the BMI and eGFR relationship differed by race.

Passive Stiffness of Left Ventricular Myocardial Tissue Is Reduced by Ovariectomy in a Post-menopause Mouse Model

Background: Heart failure (HF) – a very prevalent disease with high morbidity and mortality – usually presents with diastolic dysfunction. Although post-menopause women are at increased risk of HF and diastolic dysfunction, poor attention has been paid to clinically and experimentally investigate this group of patients. Specifically, whether myocardial stiffness is affected by menopause is unknown.

Aim: To investigate whether loss of female sexual hormones modifies the Young’s modulus (E) of left ventricular (LV) myocardial tissue in a mouse model of menopause induced by ovariectomy (OVX).

Methods: After 6 months of bilateral OVX, eight mice were sacrificed, fresh LV myocardial strips were prepared (∼8 × 1 × 1 mm), and their passive stress–stretch relationship was measured. E was computed by exponential fitting of the stress–stretch relationship. Subsequently, to assess the relative role of cellular and extracellular matrix components in determining OVX-induced changes in E, the tissues strips were decellularized and subjected to the same stretching protocol to measure E. A control group of eight sham-OVX mice was simultaneously studied.

Results: E (kPa; m ± SE) in OVX mice was ∼twofold lower than in controls (11.7 ± 1.8 and 22.1 ± 4.4, respectively; p < 0.05). No significant difference between groups was found in E of the decellularized tissue (31.4 ± 12.05 and 40.9 ± 11.5, respectively; p = 0.58).

Conclusion: Loss of female sexual hormones in an OVX model induces a reduction in the passive stiffness of myocardial tissue, suggesting that active relaxation should play a counterbalancing role in diastolic dysfunction in post-menopausal women with HF.

Association of endogenous sex hormone levels with coronary artery calcium progression among post-menopausal women in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND

Sex differences in the incidence and manifestation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) suggest the involvement of sex hormones in disease pathogenesis. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) and its progression, measured by non-contrast cardiac computed tomography, are markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and predict CVD, even among low-risk women. We hypothesized that sex hormone levels were associated with CAC progression among women in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

METHODS

We studied 2759 post-menopausal women (age 65 ± 9 years), free of baseline CVD, with baseline serum sex hormones and CAC measured at Exam 1 (2000-2002). Of this sample, 2427 had ≥1 follow-up CAC measurement through Exam 5 (2010-2012). Using mixed effects linear regression methods, we tested change in log[CAC+1] score by log[sex hormone] levels (continuous, comparing the 90th versus 10th percentiles). Models adjusted for demographics, lifestyle factors, cardiovascular risk factors, hormone therapy, and years since menopause.

RESULTS

At baseline, we found no associations between sex hormones and prevalent CAC. Over a median of 4.7 years, in fully-adjusted models, women with higher free testosterone levels had relatively greater CAC progression [Ratio 1.26 (95% CI 1.01-1.56)], whereas higher sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was associated with lower progression risk [0.80 (0.64-0.99). No associations were seen for total testosterone, estradiol, or dehydroepiandrosterone.

CONCLUSION

A more androgenic hormone profile of higher free testosterone and lower SHBG is associated with a greater CAC progression up to 10-years in post-menopausal women. Sex hormone levels may help identify women at increased risk for CVD who may benefit from additional risk-reducing strategies.