Sarcopenia in elderly increases cardiovascular disease risk

A study by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Institute of Health has found that elderly individuals with sarcopenia face significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease and death.

Analyzing data from 2,997 seniors in the KURE cohort, researchers categorized sarcopenia based on grip strength and physical performance, such as the time taken to walk 3 meters. The study revealed that those with functional sarcopenia—experiencing declines in both grip strength and mobility—had a 1.92 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 1.45 times higher risk of death compared to those without the condition.

Follow-up observations over four years showed that seniors who newly developed sarcopenia faced a 1.56 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 1.67 times higher risk of death. The findings suggest that monitoring muscle function, rather than just muscle mass, is a critical indicator for assessing cardiovascular health in the elderly.