Physical Frailty, Genetic Predisposition, and Incident Heart Failure (JACC Asia July 2024)-Article: Physical Frailty, Genetic Predisposition, and Incident Heart Failure

Article: Physical Frailty, Genetic Predisposition, and Incident Heart Failure

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The study investigates the association between physical frailty and incident heart failure in a large population over a 14.1-year follow-up period. Frailty, characterized by weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slow gait speed, and low grip strength, was found to be significantly associated with a higher risk of developing heart failure. Specifically, exhaustion, slow gait speed, and low grip strength were noted as individual components that increased the risk of heart failure.<br /><br />The findings suggest that frailty is independently linked to incident heart failure, irrespective of genetic predisposition. The study also observed a stronger association between frailty and heart failure in middle-aged individuals compared to older age groups. Moreover, the risk of heart failure was notably increased among frail individuals with an intermediate genetic risk score.<br /><br />The results imply that interventions targeting frailty may aid in the prevention of heart failure, which could have significant implications for healthcare management. While the study highlights the need for further research to explore the potential benefits of modifying frailty status in preventing heart failure, it underscores the importance of assessing frailty as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, particularly in middle-aged populations.

Keywords

physical frailty

incident heart failure

population study

14.1-year follow-up

weight loss

exhaustion

low physical activity

slow gait speed

low grip strength

genetic predisposition