Sarcopenia in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Prevalence and Effect on Functional Status.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in older men with peripheral arterial disease (PAD); (2) to compare a subgroup of the group with age-, race-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched non-PAD control counterparts, and (3) to compare the functional status of those with PAD with and without sarcopenia.

DESIGN: Cohort study.

SETTING: Medical center.

PARTICIPANTS: Sedentary community-dwelling men (N=108; age, >50y) with a confirmed diagnosis of PAD (44% blacks; BMI, 27.8±0.4kg/m2 ; ankle-brachial index, .62±.01).

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were used to assess appendicular lean mass and determine the prevalence of sarcopenia by/height2 . Treadmill tests were used to determine claudication onset time, peak walking time, and claudication recovery time. 6-Minute walk distance was also measured.

RESULTS: Sarcopenia prevalence in our PAD cohort was 25%. The PAD subgroup (n=42) matched with control counterparts in terms of race, sex, age, and BMI had higher prevalence rates than did their non-PAD counterparts (23.8% vs 2.4%; P<.05). Individuals with sarcopenia (n=28) had a shorter 6-minute walk distance (326±18.8m vs 380±9.7m; P<.05) and higher claudication recovery time (592±98s vs 395±29s; P<.05) than did individuals with PAD but without sarcopenia (n=80). There was no difference in claudication onset time or peak walking time between the PAD groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Men with PAD demonstrate a high prevalence of sarcopenia. Those with sarcopenia and PAD demonstrate decreased mobility function.