Correlation between frail status and lower extremity function in elderly inpatients with hypertension

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Elderly hypertensive patients exhibit a frail status, increasing susceptibility to physiological system damage.
• Frailty significantly impacts the health and well-being of older adults, particularly those with hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between frailty and lower extremity function in hospitalized elderly patients with hypertension.
• To identify risk and protective factors associated with frailty in this population.

Main Methods:

• 336 elderly hypertensive patients were categorized into frail, pre-frail, and non-frail groups using the "Frail" scale.
• Lower extremity function was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), including chair-sit-to-stand, balance, and gait speed tests.
• Cox regression and Spearman's analysis were employed to evaluate influencing factors and correlations, with ROC curves used for prediction analysis.

Main Results:

• The frail group exhibited significantly lower lower extremity function scores compared to the non-frail group.
• Age, systolic blood pressure, and sleepiness were identified as independent risk factors for frailty.
• Lower extremity function parameters served as independent protective factors against frailty, demonstrating a negative correlation with frailty status.

Conclusions:

• Lower extremity function is negatively correlated with frailty in elderly hospitalized hypertensive patients.
• Enhanced lower extremity function acts as a protective factor and a valuable predictor of frailty status in this demographic.