Association between sarcopenia and quality of life in patients with heart failure

Sarcopenia, which is characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is prevalent among patients with heart failure (HF) and negatively impacts their quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that reduced muscle strength, as measured by handgrip strength (HGS), is independently associated with poorer quality of life (QoL) in patients with heart failure (HF).

This cross-sectional study involved 114 patients with stable HF. HGS was assessed through a digital dynamometer; sarcopenia was defined by using gender-specific thresholds. Additional assessments included demographics, comorbidities, HF severity, frailty and QoL (the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire was used as a tool). To determine factors independently associated with QoL, a multiple linear regression model was obtained; we also derived a stepwise multiple linear regression model based on the Akaike Information Criteria.

Average HGS was 20.9±8.4 kg and 54.5% of patients were classified as having probable sarcopenia. HGS demonstrated a positive correlation with QoL (r=0.46, p<0.001) and negative correlation with the New York Heart Association classification and the Clinical Frailty Scale. Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher HGS, a younger age, a lower NYHA class and lower frailty scores were significantly associated with a better QoL. A 10 kg increase in HGS was associated with an 8.7-point rise in KCCQ-23 scores.

Handgrip strength is an independent predictor of QoL in patients with chronic HF. A regular assessment of HGS in clinical practice may help monitor the risk of sarcopenia and improve patient management, potentially enhancing daily functioning and QoL.