Relationships between sarcopenia, depressive symptoms, and the risk of cardiovascular disease in Chinese population

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Sarcopenia and depressive symptoms are independently linked to higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• The combined impact of sarcopenia and depressive symptoms on CVD risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the synergistic effect of sarcopenia and depressive symptoms on the risk of developing new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• To analyze the combined impact on stroke and cardiac events.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 11,011 participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2020).
• Employed multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models to assess associations.
• Examined the interactions between sarcopenia and depressive symptoms concerning CVD incidence.

Main Results:

• Over a 7-year follow-up, 2,388 participants developed CVD, including 812 strokes and 1,831 cardiac events.
• Significant additive and multiplicative interactions were observed between sarcopenia and depressive symptoms for CVD, stroke, and cardiac events.
• Individuals with 'depressive sarcopenia' exhibited the highest risk: HR 1.43 (CVD), 1.45 (stroke), 1.50 (cardiac events).

Conclusions:

• Sarcopenia and depressive symptoms exert a combined effect on the risk of CVD, stroke, and cardiac events.
• Highlights the importance of early identification and intervention for sarcopenia and depressive symptoms in both older and younger populations.