Use of Diuretics is Associated with Higher Risk of Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Hypertension

Abstract Background: Sarcopenia is a disease that involves skeletal muscle mass loss and is highly prevalent in the older adult population. Moreover, the incidence of sarcopenia is increased in patients with hypertension. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the association between the classes of the drugs used for arterial hypertension treatment and the presence or absence of sarcopenia. Methods: 129 older adults with hypertension were evaluated by the researchers who registered the participants medication for arterial hypertension treatment. Sarcopenia level was measured by anthropometric parameters, muscular strength, and functional capacity. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc test and Fisher’s exact test; statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: Age was not different between women with different levels of sarcopenia, but significant differences were observed between men with absent sarcopenia (66.8±4.2 years) and men with probable sarcopenia (77.0±10.2 years). Individuals with absent sarcopenia showed higher handgrip strength (men: 33.8±7.4, women: 23.2±4.6 Kgf) in comparison with those with sarcopenia (men with probable sarcopenia: 9.5±3.3 Kgf, women with probable, confirmed, and severe sarcopenia: 11.7±2.5, 12.2±3.0, 11.8±1.8 Kgf, respectively). The analysis showed an association between the type of medication and degree of sarcopenia; diuretics were significantly associated with probable sarcopenia, and angiotensin II receptor blockers (alone or in combination with diuretics) was associated with absence of sarcopenia. Conclusion: In conclusion, handgrip strength was a good method to diagnose sarcopenia, and diuretics were associated with increased risk of sarcopenia in older adults with hypertension.