Impact of Atrial Fibrillation Accompanied by Sarcopenia and Cellular Edema on the Prevalence of Heart Failure in Elderly Individuals

Sarcopenia is an age-dependent skeletal muscle disorder associated with multiple adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular events. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of sarcopenia and atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure (HF) among elderly individuals.In total, 130 elderly participants with HF risk factors were included. Body composition, including skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and the ratio of extracellular water to total body water (ECW/TBW), was assessed using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis device. Sarcopenia was defined as low SMI with low handgrip strength or slow gait speed. ECW/TBW was higher in patients with HF than in those without. AF was associated with HF. Although sarcopenia by itself was not associated with HF, concomitant sarcopenia and AF was associated with HF. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that AF accompanied by sarcopenia and high ECW/TBW was associated with HF, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.In this study, AF accompanied by sarcopenia and cellular edema increased the prevalence of HF in elderly individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. These data suggest the management of sarcopenia and cellular edema is critical for the prevention of HF in elderly patients with AF.