Prevalence of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity in patients with heart failure

Malnutrition, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity have a significant impact on patients with heart failure. Therefore, it is important to perform nutritional assessment in this group of patients. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of malnutrition, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in patients with heart failure, assess their quality of life, and eventually reassess their nutritional status.

We conducted an observational study of patients with heart failure randomly referred by thecCardiology department and examined from 2021 through 2022 in the Nutrition department and then re-evaluated in 2024. The diagnosis of malnutrition was established using the GLIM criteria; sarcopenia was diagnosed according to EWGSOP2, and sarcopenic obesity according to the ESPEN/EASO criteria.

A total of 41 patients were evaluated between 2021 and 2022, of whom 23 were re-evaluated in 2024. A total of 82.6% were men (mean age, 64 yeras [SD, 10.6]). Initially the prevalence of malnutrition was 21.7%; sarcopenia, 8.7%; and sarcopenic obesity, 4.3%. Caloric and protein requirements were not reached in 63.2% and 47.4%, respectively. A total of 26.1% of patients had a low calf circumference (CC) value; 100% had low lower limb strength, 90.9% had low gait speed, and 50% had low stability. All patients (100%) had a good quality of life as assessed by the MLHFQ questionnaire. At reassessment, the prevalence of malnutrition was 21.7%; sarcopenia, 17.4%; and sarcopenic obesity, 8.7%. Caloric and protein requirements were not reached in 60.9% and 78.3%, respectively. Furthermore, 52.2% had low CC value, 100% had low lower limb strength, 91.3% had low speed and 43.5% had low stability. A total of 91.3% had a good quality of life as assessed by the MLHFQ questionnaire.

Approximately 20% of patients with heart failure exhibit malnutrition at initial assessment and during follow-up. A high percentage of patients do not achieve nutritional requirements, presenting deterioration in functional tests and worsening quality of life. It is therefore advisable to establish early and sustained nutritional screening and assessment strategies in these patients, establishing the appropriate nutritional medical treatment.