Association between isolated or combined malnutrition and sarcopenia and quality of life in heart failure outpatients: A cross-sectional study

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition with symptoms linked to worse quality of life. Malnutrition and sarcopenia are conditions frequently found in patients with HF. This study aims to evaluate the association between isolated or combined malnutrition and sarcopenia and quality of life in outpatients with HF.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of outpatients with HF aged ≥18 years. Malnutrition was assessed according to the criteria of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition, and sarcopenia was evaluated by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Quality of life was assessed using the Minnesota Living with HF questionnaire (MLHFQ). Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected.

Results

One hundred and fifty-one patients were included in this study, with a median (interquartile range) age of 58 (48–65) years, 58.9% were adults, and 68.9% were male. A total of 29.5% of the patients were malnourished, and 28.5% and 2.6% were identified with probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia, respectively. Of the total, 15.9% of patients were identified with both conditions. Sarcopenia was associated with higher odds of increase in the MLHFQ total score, indicating worse quality of life (odds ratio [OR] = 3.61; 95% CI, 1.65–7.89). The same was found in the presence of two conditions (OR 3.97; 95% CI, 1.32–11.54), whereas isolated malnutrition was not related to life quality (OR = 1.62; 95% CI, 0.73–3.60).

Conclusion

The presence of malnutrition and sarcopenia simultaneously were associated with worse quality of life scores when compared with these isolated conditions.