Abstract 18264: Associations of High-Sensitivity Troponin and Natriuretic Peptide Levels With Cognitive Outcomes in SPRINT

Abstract

Background: Subclinical elevations in high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hsc-TnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) identifies a high-risk subgroup with reduction in cardiovascular disease in response to intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering. However, it remains unknown if these markers also identify subgroups with greater improvement in cognitive outcomes from intensive SBP lowering. Methods: We measured hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP at baseline in Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). Adjudicated cognitive outcomes were classified as probable dementia (PD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Combined cardiac biomarker categories were defined as elevated, intermediate, and non-elevated. The association of combined biomarker categories with risk of cognitive outcomes was assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Heterogeneity in the effect of intensive versus standard SBP lowering on the risk of cognitive outcomes across combined biomarker categories was determined. Results: Of 8,111 SPRINT participants with measured biomarkers and at least one follow-up cognitive assessment, 830 (10.2%) experienced the composite outcome of PD or MCI. After multivariable adjustment, elevated vs. non-elevated cardiac biomarker levels were independently associated with increased risk of composite outcome [HR 95% CI: 1.56 (1.26 - 1.92)]. The effect of intensive SBP lowering on the composite outcome was strongest among participants with non-elevated cardiac biomarkers (see Table). Conclusion: Elevated cardiac biomarkers were associated with higher risk for cognitive impairment. The effect of intensive SBP lowering on preventing cognitive impairment was strongest among patients with non-elevated cardiac biomarkers. This suggests that intensive SBP lowering may be more effective in preventing cognitive impairment in individuals with favorable cardiac biomarker profiles.