Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Geriatric Inpatients with H-Type Hypertension: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: Malnutrition and sarcopenia are prevalent in geriatric inpatients with H-type hypertension (HHcy), yet their combined impact remains understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical correlates of malnutrition and sarcopenia in hospitalized elderly HHcy patients. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 600 HHcy patients (age ≥60 years, Hcy >10 μmol/L) from two tertiary hospitals. Nutritional status was assessed using GLIM criteria, and sarcopenia was diagnosed via AWGS 2019 guidelines (grip strength, gait speed, SARC-F). Multivariate logistic regression identified risk factors. Results: The prevalence of GLIM-defined malnutrition was 86.3%, with 81.3% of malnourished patients exhibiting sarcopenia. HHcy (Hcy ≥15 μmol/L) independently increased malnutrition risk (adjusted OR=4.85, 95% CI:3.12–7.54, P<0.001). Key predictors included low vegetable intake (<400g/day, OR=1.89) and reduced grip strength (OR=3.17). Malnutrition-sarcopenia co-occurrence significantly correlated with prolonged hospitalization (P<0.001) and impaired quality of life (IBDQ score:156.4 vs.175.4, P<0.001). Conclusions: HHcy is a critical predictor of nutritional deterioration in geriatric inpatients. A precision nutrition framework integrating folate supplementation and protein-enriched diets (≥1.2g/kg/day) is proposed to mitigate sarcopenic progression. Trial registration: ChiCTR2200066867, Reg Date: 2022-12-20