Work

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity and frailty in middle-aged and older adults: a cross-nationally harmonized study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Cardiometabolic diseases are prevalent among ageing populations and have a close association with frailty. However, the cumulative impact multiple cardiometabolic diseases have on frailty remains underexplored. Methods This study used data from four international cohorts – HRS, CHARLS, ELSA and SHARE – to examine the correlation between frailty and cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). The frailty index was used for assessing frailty and statistical analyses were performed as a means of analysing the correlation between the number of cardiometabolic conditions and frailty severity. Linear regression models were employed to evaluate the associations between CMD and frailty severity. Results The study found that as the number of cardiometabolic diseases increased, the frailty index rose significantly [one disease, β = 7.80 (95% CI: 7.70 to 7.90) p < 0.05; two diseases, β = 17.92 (95% CI: 17.76 to 18.08) p < 0.05; three diseases, β = 28.79 (95% CI: 28.41 to 29.17) p < 0.05]. Stroke was found to have the most pronounced impact on frailty (β = 12.34 [95%CI 12.20 to 12.48] p < 0.05) and the coexistence of multiple conditions served to amplify the symptoms of frailty. Conclusion This study highlights the compounded impact multiple cardiometabolic diseases have on frailty and also emphasizes the necessity for early intervention.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1565682

Authors: Kunyan Zhou, Ao Wang, Ke Yi

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Frailty in Older Adults

Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801