Prof Abdulla Damluji from Johns Hopkins University discusses sarcopenia and aortic valve disease with valuable insights on the correlation, impact on TAVR patients, combating sarcopenia in elderly individuals, and future research directions for enhanced outcomes.
Diagnosing sarcopenia in aortic stenosis patients is crucial for predicting post-TAVR outcomes.
Exercise and nutritional interventions are vital in managing sarcopenia and improving outcomes in TAVR patients.
Deep dives
Sarcopenia's Significance in Aortic Valve Disease
Sarcopenia, a condition marked by muscle strength and mass loss, affects a notable percentage of older adults with aortic stenosis. Its prevalence in these patients ranges from 21% to 70%. Diagnosing sarcopenia in aortic stenosis patients is crucial as it independently predicts short and long-term outcomes post-TAVR procedures. Early detection and treatment can lessen morbidity, mortality, and enhance patient quality of life.
Diagnosing Sarcopenia in Older Adults
Assessing sarcopenia involves evaluating muscle strength and mass through tests like grip strength, chair rise tests, and imaging techniques such as CT scans. Additional tests like Gate Speed or SPPB aid in assessing sarcopenia severity. The diagnosis entails gauging muscle performance through strength and mass assessments, providing valuable insights for treatment and outcome improvement.
Interventions for Mitigating Sarcopenia in TAVR Patients
Exercise and nutritional interventions play a significant role in mitigating sarcopenia's impact on TAVR patients. Resistance training combined with a high protein diet, including branched-chain amino acids and creatine, aids in muscle maintenance and growth. These interventions are most effective when initiated early, preferably before sarcopenia progresses significantly in advanced stages, ensuring improved outcomes for TAVR patients.
In this episode of the Heart podcast, Digital Media Editor, Professor James Rudd, is joined by Prof Abdulla Damluji from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, US. They discuss all aspects of sarcopenia and aortic valve disease. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a podcast review at https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/heart-podcast/id445358212?mt=2 or wherever you get your podcasts - it's really helpful.