Journal of the American Heart Association, Volume 15, Issue 12 , June 16, 2026. BackgroundThe dynamic changes of neurological function frequently occur after ischemic stroke, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Given cardiac pathologies from heart‐brain axis may contribute to neurological decline, we aimed to investigate associations between cardiac biomarkers and long‐term neurological deficits (ND) trajectory after ischemic stroke.MethodsWe derived data from China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke, circulating NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide), sST2 (soluble ST2), and GDF‐15 (growth differentiation factor 15) concentrations were measured. We applied group‐based trajectory modeling to identify ND trajectories using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores measured at admission, 14 days/hospital discharge, and 3‐month, 12‐month, and 24‐month follow‐up visits.ResultsWe identified 3 ND trajectories: mild, moderate, and persistent‐severe.
Compared with the lowest tertile, the odds ratios for the highest tertiles of NT‐proBNP, sST2, and GDF‐15 for persistent‐severe ND trajectory were 2.20 (95% CI, 1.61–2.99), 3.52 (95% CI, 2.58–4.82), and 2.09 (95% CI, 1.54–2.84), respectively. Patients with ≥2 elevated biomarkers had higher risks of moderate ND and persistent‐severe ND trajectories (bothP<0.05).
Journal of the American Heart Association published a clinical update in Cardiology on 09 Jun 2026.
The item focuses on Multiple Cardiac Biomarkers and Long‐Term Neurological Deficits Trajectory After Ischemic Stroke.
Review the original article for the full source wording and details.