A simple method of sarcopenia detection can predict adverse cardiovascular events in patients with abdominal obesity

Background Although sarcopenic obesity is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared with obesity without sarcopenia, it is difficult to diagnose sarcopenia in daily clinical settings. Recently, a simple scoring system has been developed to identify sarcopenia patients based on three variables (age, hand grip strength, and calf circumference). However, the utility of this score for cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with abdominal obesity is unknown. Methods We calculated the sarcopenia score in 262 patients with abdominal obesity, defined as a waist circumference >= 90 cm in women or >= 85 cm in men. The composite endpoint of this study was cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, and heart failure hospitalization. Results Of the 262 patients, 108 had a high sarcopenia score based on previously established criteria (>= 105 in men and >= 120 in women). The patients with a high sarcopenia score had a significantly higher plasma level of B-type natriuretic peptide compared with those with a low sarcopenia score (median 56.7, interquartile range [28.2-142.9] vs. 37.9 [13.8-76.1] pg/mL; p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a significantly lower event-free survival rate in those with a high compared with a low sarcopenia score (log-rank test p = 0.001), even after adjustment for confounding factors using propensity score matching (log-rank test p = 0.009). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis identified a high sarcopenia score (hazard ratio: 2.46; 95% confidence interval: 1.31-4.64, p = 0.005) as an independent predictor of the primary endpoints. The combination of a high sarcopenia score and low body mass index (<25 kg/m(2)) predicted a significantly higher risk of future adverse events (p = 0.005). Furthermore, patients with a high sarcopenia score and high B-type natriuretic peptide level (>= 200 pg/mL) had the poorest prognosis (p < 0.0001). Conclusions This simple screening test for sarcopenia can predict future adverse cardiovascular events in patients with abdominal obesity.