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Sarcopenia in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Prevalence and Effect on Functional Status
Odessa Addison1, Steven J Prior2, Rishi Kundi3
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center Baltimore, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Baltimore, MD; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|November 16, 2017
Summary
Sarcopenia is common in older men with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), affecting 25% of those studied. Sarcopenia in PAD patients significantly reduces mobility and walking ability.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Vascular Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition in older adults.
- Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is increasingly recognized as a significant health issue.
- The relationship between PAD and sarcopenia, particularly in men, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in older men diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
- To compare sarcopenia prevalence in men with PAD against age-, race-, sex-, and BMI-matched controls without PAD.
- To assess the impact of sarcopenia on functional status and mobility in men with PAD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted involving 108 sedentary, community-dwelling men over 50 years old with diagnosed PAD.
- Appendicular lean mass was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to identify sarcopenia.
- Functional status was evaluated through treadmill tests (claudication onset, peak walking, recovery times) and the 6-Minute Walk Distance test.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of sarcopenia in the PAD cohort was 25%.
- Men with PAD exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of sarcopenia (23.8%) compared to matched non-PAD controls (2.4%).
- Individuals with sarcopenia and PAD had a shorter 6-Minute Walk Distance and longer claudication recovery time than those with PAD but without sarcopenia.
Conclusions:
- Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in older men with peripheral arterial disease.
- The presence of sarcopenia in men with PAD is associated with significantly impaired mobility and functional capacity.
- These findings highlight the importance of screening for and managing sarcopenia in men with PAD to improve outcomes.
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