Simple Test Could Predict Heart Failure Risk

A new, simple test could help predict adverse events in patients with heart failure (HF), according to new research from Japan.

The test, which uses grip strength, age, and calf circumference, was originally designed to screen for sarcopenia, a disease that causes loss of muscle mass and strength.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To determine whether the test could effectively help to predict HF events, the researchers studied 119 patients who had been hospitalized for evaluation and treatment of HF at the Kumamoto University Hospital in Japan.

The researchers assigned patients a sarcopenia score during their hospital visit and separated them into 2 groups: 82 with sarcopenia and 37 without sarcopenia. They then compared the scores to laboratory data, echocardiography, and the patient's prognosis over a 2-year period.

The results showed that patients in the sarcopenia group had a higher risk of HF events and death than those without sarcopenia. Circulating B-type natriuretic peptides and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels were significantly higher, and left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in those patients with sarcopenia compared with those without sarcopenia.

Using Cox proportional hazards analysis, the researchers identified sarcopenia score as an independent predictor of HF events.

“The sarcopenia screening test can be used to predict future adverse events in patients with HF,” the researchers concluded.

—Amanda Balbi

Reference:

Onoue Y, Izumiya Y, Hanatani S, et al. A simple sarcopenia screening test predicts future adverse events in patients with heart failure [published online April 17, 2016]. Int J Cardiol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.04.128.