Exploring the mediating role of depression in the relationship between sarcopenia and cardiovascular health in the middle-aged and elderly: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundCardiovascular health is influenced by various factors, including sarcopenia and depression. It has been demonstrated that sarcopenia has a negative impact on cardiovascular disease, with depression also being a contributing factor. However, the complex interplay between sarcopenia, depressive symptoms, and cardiovascular health in middle-aged and elderly populations is not fully explored. MethodsA total of 23,445 participants participated in China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and completed relevant measurements, including the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The study also assessed sarcopenia and cardiovascular health score. The focus of the study was to test whether the association between sarcopenia and cardiovascular health scores was mediated by depression using PROCESS macros in R 4.3.2. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to affirm the robustness of our findings. ResultThe study revealed a partial mediation between sarcopenia and cardiovascular health score among the middle and elder adults, mediated by depression. Sarcopenia had a significant negative correlation with cardiovascular health score (B = −12.404, P < 0.05), and depression also showed a significant negative correlation (B = −1.515, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe results support the notion that depression partially mediated the association between sarcopenia and cardiovascular health score. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving mood and addressing other cardiovascular risk factors may help alleviate the adverse effects of sarcopenia and potentially reduce the progression to cardiovascular disease.