The Relationship Between Sarcopenia and Cardiovascular Disease
Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that takes place in later life. Both sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease are accelerated by the chronic inflammation of aging, but the onset of physical weakness resulting from sarcopenia can also contribute to cardiovascular disease via reduced physical activity. As this paper notes, other mechanisms may also be involved in the relationship between sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease. Muscle tissue is metabolically active, and the loss of that tissue has more consequences than just a decline into frailty.
With the advent of population aging, aging-related diseases have become a challenge for governments worldwide. Sarcopenia has defined as a clinical syndrome associated with age-related loss such as skeletal muscle mass, strength, function, and physical performance. It is commonly seen in elderly patients with chronic diseases. Changes in lean mass are common critical determinants in the pathophysiology and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Sarcopenia may be one of the most important causes of poor physical function and decreased cardiopulmonary function in elderly patients with CVDs. Sarcopenia may induce CVDs through common pathogenic pathways such as malnutrition, physical inactivity, insulin resistance, inflammation; these mechanisms interact.
Sarcopenia and CVDs are highly prevalent in the elderly and share common pathogenesis and interactions. Understanding their relationship is still in its initial stages, and more clinical and experimental data are needed. A large number of studies have shown that the progression of CVDs and the decline in muscle function will further worsen the patient's condition. By screening patients for sarcopenia at an early stage, establishing effective early detection methods and evaluation methods, and providing early and comprehensive interventions, the progression of the disease can be effectively delayed. Nevertheless more importantly, patients with CVDs should be rehabilitated as soon as possible to break the vicious cycle of sarcopenia and CVDs through scientific nutritional programs and training guidance. Effective treatment of either sarcopenia or CVDs can have a positive impact on another disease.
it seems that there are multiple positive feedback loops in aging.
I see it as a positive opportunity to fix one of them and break /reduce the vicious loop and get synergistic improvements on different systems.