Impact Summary: This study investigated the relationship between sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and strength) and ventilatory response during exercise in 169 male patients with heart failure (HF). Sarcopenia, present in 17% of participants, was defined by low handgrip strength and appendicular lean mass adjusted for height (ALM/height²). Participants underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test to evaluate ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (VO₂), carbon dioxide output (VCO₂), and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES). Results showed that patients with sarcopenia exhibited impaired ventilatory behaviour during exercise compared to those without. At the first ventilatory threshold, patients with sarcopenia had higher VE/VO₂ and VE/VCO₂ ratios, indicating less efficient gas exchange. At peak exercise, sarcopenic patients had reduced OUES, VO₂, and VE, alongside elevated VE/VCO₂. These findings highlight the compromised ventilatory and functional capacity in sarcopenic patients, potentially linked to an attenuated ergoreflex response, which regulates ventilation relative to metabolic demands.
OUES, a measure of ventilatory efficiency, was positively correlated with ALM/height² and handgrip strength. Independent predictors of OUES included ALM/height², peak VO₂, and hemoglobin levels, emphasizing the role of muscle health in exercise capacity. The study underscores the importance of addressing sarcopenia in HF management to improve exercise efficiency and overall functional capacity. Tailored interventions targeting muscle mass and strength may enhance ventilatory response and quality of life in these patients.
Bispo, H. N., Rondon, E., Dos Santos, M. R., de Souza, F. R., da Costa, M. J. A., Pereira, R. M. R., Negrão, C. E., Carson, B. P., Alves, M. N. N., & da Fonseca, G. W. P. (2024). Association of Sarcopenia and Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope in Male Patients With Heart Failure. Journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention, 44(4), 273–279. https://doi.org/10.1097/HCR.0000000000000872
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