Figure 2

Path model (B) (the normal BNP level group). The path model theoretically proposed to clarify the contribution of sex (male), age, BMI, LVEF, eGFR, or Hb to TSH, FT3 or BNP. The analysis was performed only on patients in whom the BNP levels were within the normal range (BNP ≤ 18.4 pg/mL). Each path has a coefficient representing the standardized coefficient of a regressing independent variable on a dependent variable of the relevant path. These variables represent the standardized regression coefficients (direct effect) and squared multiple correlations (in narrow italics) as well as the correlations among exogenous variables (green). BMI, body mass index; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; Hb, hemoglobin; TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone; FT3, free triiodothyronine; BNP, B-type natriuretic peptide.