Subclinical vasculopathy, best reflected by carotid intima-media thickness, was independently associated with reduced gait speed (β=-0.26) in asymptomatic community-dwelling adults aged ≥55 years.
Cross-Sectional (n=336)
Subclinical vasculopathy, particularly increased carotid intima-media thickness, is independently associated with reduced skeletal muscle function (gait speed) in asymptomatic older adults.
Effect estimate: β=-0.26
Frailty is associated with future cardiovascular events in older adults. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between subclinical vasculopathy with measures of skeletal muscle mass and function. Asymptomatic community-dwelling Asians ≥55 years underwent assessments for subclinical vasculopathy (carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), aortic and carotid stiffness, and endothelial function), muscle mass (calf circumference adjusted for body mass index) and function (knee extension strength, 6-meter fast gait speed). Multivariable regression analyses for associates of muscle mass/function controlled for demographics and cardiometabolic risk factors. Among 336 participants (median age 62 years, 55.1% male, 3.6% sarcopenia), cIMT, aortic and carotid stiffness inversely correlated with muscle mass, strength and gait speed; cIMT remained independently associated with gait speed (β=-0.26) in multivariable analyses. Age and sex significantly modified the relationship between subclinical vasculopathy and muscle mass/function. Associations, only found in those aged ≥70, included cIMT with gait speed (β=-0.48) and knee strength (β=-9.33), and aortic augmentation index and aortic stiffness composite z-score with gait speed (β=-0.11 and β=-0.19 respectively). Among males, cIMT correlated with gait speed (β=-0.31). The association of subclinical vasculopathy with skeletal muscle mass and function in asymptomatic adults ≥55 years is best reflected by cIMT. The roles of mediating pathways deserve further evaluation.
Lim et al. (Fri,) conducted a cross-sectional in Subclinical vasculopathy and sarcopenia (n=336). Subclinical vasculopathy (carotid intima-media thickness, aortic and carotid stiffness) was evaluated on Skeletal muscle mass and function (gait speed) (β=-0.26). Subclinical vasculopathy, best reflected by carotid intima-media thickness, was independently associated with reduced gait speed (β=-0.26) in asymptomatic community-dwelling adults aged ≥55 years.
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