CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SARCOPENIA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE FUNCTIONAL CLASS III–IV
Abstract
Sarcopenia is highly prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and negatively affects disease progression and prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with CHF functional class III–IV and to compare NT-proBNP levels, renal function, and intracardiac hemodynamics between patients with and without sarcopenia. A total of 196 patients with CHF class III–IV were included in the study. Sarcopenia was identified in 66.3% of patients, with a significantly higher prevalence in class IV (83.6%). Patients with sarcopenia more frequently exhibited renal dysfunction (50.8% vs 12.1%) and more pronounced disturbances in intracardiac hemodynamics. The 6-minute walk test also demonstrated a significant decline in functional capacity (p<0.001). In conclusion, sarcopenia is an important clinical and prognostic factor in CHF, associated with disease severity and requiring comprehensive evaluation in clinical practice.