Sarcopenia and cachexia in hospitalized heart failure patients

Objective

To evaluate sarcopenia and cachexia, isolated and coexisting, in adults over 40 years of age hospitalized with heart failure.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with heart failure patients. Sarcopenia was defined as a reduction in handgrip strength associated with a decrease in muscle mass. Cachexia was defined as weight loss > 5% associated with at least three symptoms: decreased muscle strength, fatigue, anorexia, low muscle mass and biochemical changes.

Results

The sample consisted of 156 patients with a mean age of 59.1 (± 10.3) years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 19.9%, cachexia was 37.2% and the coexistence of both conditions was observed in 9% of the sample. Individuals with concomitant sarcopenia and cachexia had greater weight loss, more fatigue and lower hemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). The frequency of sarcopenia, cachexia and the two conditions combined was similar, regardless of functional class and ejection fraction (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In adults over 40 years of age hospitalized with heart failure, the prevalence of cachexia was high and more pronounced than that of sarcopenia. The coexistence of sarcopenia and cachexia was associated with greater weight loss, fatigue and lower hemoglobin levels.