Relationship Between Sarcopenia and Cardiovascular Diseases in the Elderly: An Overview

Abstract

With the advent of population aging, aging-related diseases have become a challenge for governments worldwide. Sarcopenia has defined as a clinical syndrome associated with age-related loss such as skeletal muscle mass, strength, function, and physical performance. It is commonly seen in elderly patients with chronic diseases. Changes in lean mass are common critical determinants in the pathophysiology and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Sarcopenia may be one of the most important causes of poor physical function and decreased cardiopulmonary function in elderly patients with CVDs. Sarcopenia may induce CVDs through common pathogenic pathways such as malnutrition, physical inactivity, insulin resistance, inflammation; these mechanisms interact. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and CVDs in the elderly. Further research is urgently needed to understand better the relationship, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and mechanisms of sarcopenia and CVDs, which may shed light on potential interventions to improve clinical outcomes and provide greater insight into the disorders above.

Pulse Wave Velocity and Sarcopenia in Older Persons—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The link between sarcopenia and cardiovascular risk factors or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is probably bi-directional. First, from hypertension, through diabetes mellitus, to established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and complications, the patients affected have more muscular damage [ 3 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. On the other hand, sarcopenia mapped to wound-up inflammaging has been considered a factor in vascular damage [ 15 ].…”

“…All of this may lead to higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), greater pulse pressure (PP) and faster propagation of pressure pulse wave. This, in turn, has been shown to increase cardiovascular risk in older subjects [ 3 , 6 , 43 ].…”

“…Sarcopenia, defined as decreased muscle mass, deranged muscle architecture and decreased muscle strength, is an important feature of unfavorable aging [ 1 ]. It has been linked with worse survival, poor functionality and greater cardiovascular risk [ 2 , 3 ]. In a broader context, many older persons with frailty, at the core of the general deterioration have sarcopenia [ 4 ].…”

Human Sarcopenic Myoblasts Can Be Rescued by Pharmacological Reactivation of HIF-1α

“…Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with decreased muscle strength or physical function that negatively affects health [4]. It leads to impaired physical performance in the elderly, which is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [5]. Aging and skeletal muscle dysfunction limit physical performance in the elderly and increase the risk of CVDs [5].…”

“…It leads to impaired physical performance in the elderly, which is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [5]. Aging and skeletal muscle dysfunction limit physical performance in the elderly and increase the risk of CVDs [5]. CVDs and sarcopenia may occur simultaneously, further limiting physical performance, quality of life and increasing mortality [5].…”