A Cross-Sectional Study On The Effect Of Age-Related Muscle Mass Reduction On Arterial Stiffness In Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals

Objective: The age-related decline of skeletal muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, is related to physiological, metabolic, and functional impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between sarcopenia, defined as reduced skeletal muscle mass, and arterial stiffness in community-dwelling elderly individuals. Design and Method: This cross-sectional study was performed in 758 elderly subjects (mean age, 69 ± 3 years) who were recruited from participants in the health check-ups of several communities located in non-urban areas in Japan. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured using a simple automatic oscillometric technique with an appropriate size cuff. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed to estimate segmental body composition and muscle mass in arms and legs and determine appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). The ASM was normalized for height and converted to an ASM index. Results: The ASM index was 4.40 ± 0.74 kg/m2 and significantly higher in men than in women (p < .01). Conclusions: These results suggest that the decline of skeletal muscle mass was significantly and independently associated with arterial stiffness in a general male elderly population, and provide further evidence of greater cardiovascular risk in subjects with sarcopenia.