Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Patients with Heart Failure in a Hospital Clinic: An Observational Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24950/rspmi.2821Keywords:
Heart Failure/complications, Sarcopenia/epidemiology, Sarcopenia/etiologyAbstract
Introduction: Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength and function. In patients with heart failure (HF), the presence of sarcopenia can impact its prognosis and quality of life.
We aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with HF followed in a reference HF Clinic of a tertiary hospital.
Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Consecutive adult patients followed at a HF clinic in Lisbon between June and July 2024 were included. Patients unable to walk or stand were excluded. The SARC-F questionnaire was applied; those scoring ≥4 points (positive screening) underwent the 30-second chair stand test.
Results: A total of 116 patients were analysed (53% male), with a median age of 77 years [IQR 69–84]; 39% (n=45) had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). SARC-F screening was positive in 38% (n=44). Of these, 28 completed the chair stand test, confirming sarcopenia in 20. Positive screening was independent of LVEF (p=0.43) and was associated with worse New York Heart Association functional class (p<0.001). Patients with positive screening had a longer duration of HF since diagnosis (5 [2–8] vs 2 [1–5.5] years, p=0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of positive sarcopenia screening was high among patients with HF, regardless of LVEF. Systematic screening followed by confirmatory testing may allow early and multidisciplinary interventions with potential benefits for quality of life.
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