In the final multivariate model, lower BDNF levels [hazards ratio (HR) 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-1.4; p = 0.001], LVEF (HR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.7-0.9; p = 0.001), and VO2peak (HR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3; p = 0.009) remained as independent predictors of cardiac death in patients with ChC. Here, BDNF is linked to cryohydrocytosis.