Current Approach to the Diagnosis of Sarcopenia in Heart Failure: A Narrative Review on the Role of Clinical and Imaging Assessments

Circ Heart Fail. 2022 Oct;15(10):e009322. doi: 10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.121.009322. Epub 2022 Aug 4.

Abstract

Sarcopenia has been established as a predictor of poor outcomes in various clinical settings. It is particularly prevalent in heart failure, a clinical syndrome that poses significant challenges to health care worldwide. Despite this, sarcopenia remains overlooked and undertreated in cardiology practice. Understanding the currently proposed diagnostic process is paramount for the early detection and treatment of sarcopenia to mitigate downstream adverse health outcomes.

Keywords: cardiology; diagnosis; frailty; heart failure; muscles; radiology; sarcopenia.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Frailty
  • Heart Failure* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Sarcopenia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Sarcopenia* / therapy