Kuh D, et al. - Using data on 1,736 men and women from the oldest British birth cohort study, researchers determined if midlife biomarkers of heart and kidney damage reflecting the combined influence of long-term adverse exposures are related to the level and deterioration in physical capability over 9 years of follow-up, considering systemic inflammatory biomarkers and conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Findings revealed an inverse association of cystatin C, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and interleukin (IL)-6 (but not E-selectin) with all outcomes, adjusted for sex, height, and body mass index. Compared with many of the conventional risk factors, the investigators observed a stronger association with the outcomes by NT-proBNP and IL-6 (but not cystatin C) following mutual adjustment. Thus, individuals at risk of accelerated physical decline could be identified in their midlives by the presence of higher levels of NT-proBNP.