Sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and arterial stiffness among older adults

Abstract

BackgroundAging is associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity (SO), and increased arterial stiffening, with possible detrimental effects on morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between sarcopenia, SO, and different indexes of arterial stiffness in older adults.MethodsA total of 77 hospitalized patients (mean age 78.68 ± 9.65 years) were evaluated, obtaining anthropometric variables, biochemical samples, handgrip test, and body composition assessment. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring both carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), a proxy for central stiffness, and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), as well as considering peripheral arteries. The population was sorted into four subgroups: obese, sarcopenic, SO, and controls.ResultsThe highest CAVI (11.31 ± 2.58) was found in sarcopenic patients. SO had the highest value of cfPWV (15.18 ± 8.44 m/s), even after adjustment for significant covariates. In multiple regressions, SO diagnosis resulted as a significant predictor of cfPWV (p = 0.03, R2 = 0.20), and sarcopenia diagnosis resulted as a predictor of CAVI (p = 0.042, R2 = 0.12).ConclusionsIn conclusion, a positive correlation is found between sarcopenia, SO, and arterial stiffness among older subjects. In particular, greater central arterial stiffness is associated with SO, outlining a remarkable effect on the cardiovascular risk profile.

Blood pressure measurement and assessment of arterial structure and function: an expert group position paper

“…Other diseases: increased values of CAVI have been recently observed in sarcopenic elderly subjects [ 51 ].…”

“…As an index of overall arterial stiffness and independent from the BP level at the time of measurement, CAVI is easy to measure, almost not operator dependent and a reproducible method for the assessment of arterial structure and function. It could be used in everyday clinical practice as indicator for prediction and evaluation of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors [ 49 , 51 ]. Currently, CAVI is mainly used in Asia for CV prevention and diseases in clinic.…”