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

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.