Hemoglobin Concentration Influences N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Hospitalized Older Adults with and without Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between hemoglobin and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration in hospitalized older adults with or without a diagnosis of heart failure (HF).

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study based on retrospective hospital records review.

SETTING: Geriatric acute care ward.

PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 65 and older (N = 226; mean age 81.1), with (n = 104) and without (n = 122) a diagnosis of HF.

MEASUREMENTS: Information was collected on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory and echocardiographic data. The relationship between hemoglobin and NT-proBNP was evaluated using linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS: A negative association was found between NT-proBNP and hemoglobin (β = -0.226, P < .001). The regression coefficient was -0.114 (P = .04) in the subsample with HF and -0.191 (P < .001) in the subsample without HF. After adjustment for potential confounders, the inverse association between hemoglobin and NT-proBNP was confirmed in the whole sample (β = -0.182, P < .001), in those with HF (β = -0.136, P = .007), and in those without HF (β = -0.165, P = .003).

CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin concentration should be taken into account in the interpretation of NT-proBNP in hospitalized older adults, especially those without HF.