Sarcopenia in atrial fibrillation: a prospective study.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Geriatrics
• Neurology

Background:

• The relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and lean body mass is not well understood.
• This study investigates the impact of AF on sarcopenia indicators and muscle architecture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effects of AF on various sarcopenia indices.
• To assess muscle architecture using ultrasonography in individuals with and without AF.
• To explore associations between AF, sarcopenia, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Compared 72 AF patients with 538 controls on sarcopenia indices (anthropometry, SPPB, HGS, BIA, SMMI, PhA).
• Utilized muscle ultrasonography to evaluate thickness, CSA, fL, and PeA of specific muscles (RF, BB, VL, VIM, GCM).
• Assessed malnutrition, sarcopenia consequences (fall, fatigue, SarQol), and screening (SARC-F) using multivariable linear models.

Main Results:

• AF patients had higher SARC-F and SarQol scores.
• AF was independently associated with lower hand grip strength, reduced phase angle, and decreased rectus femoris and quadriceps femoris muscle thickness.
• Muscle ultrasound parameters and BIA indices tended to be lower in individuals with AF.

Conclusions:

• Atrial fibrillation is associated with impaired muscle health and reduced quality of life.
• Thigh muscle ultrasound and malnutrition prevention strategies are recommended for AF management.