Association between depression and sarcopenia in patients with heart failure

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of heart failure has been increasing worldwide. Decreased muscle mass, poor physical activity, and reduced physical performance or muscle strength might lead to sarcopenia among heart failure patients and therefore lead to low cardiac output, and vice versa. Symptoms of depression are also common mental health problems in heart failure. However, little is known about the prevalence of depressive symptoms in heart failure patients with sarcopenia and the relationship with its. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of and relationship between sarcopenia and depressive symptoms in heart failure patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprised of 150 participants aged 35 years or older. Sarcopenia and no sarcopenia were classified by using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Physical performance, muscle strength, and skeletal muscle mass were examined. Symptoms of depression were assessed through utilization of the validated Thai version of Patient Health Questionnaire 9. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 18.67% and depression was 5.33% in heart failure patients. In addition, the prevalence of depression in heart failure patients with sarcopenia were 3.57%. The relationship was observed based on depression scores and New York Heart Association functional classification (r = 0.319, p<.001). Furthermore, heart failure patients with low New York Heart Association functional class had high depression scores (p<.001). However, no significant differences between depression scores and sarcopenia in heart failure patients were identified. Conclusions: Prevalence of sarcopenia in heart failure patients was 18.67% and only 5.33% exhibited depressive symptoms. Only 3.57% exhibited both depression and sarcopenia. Additionally, New York Heart Association functional classification was related to depression.