Hyun YY, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2017 Feb;32(2):257-263. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2017.32.2.257

Kang E, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2017 Feb;32(2):221-230. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2017.32.2.221

Objective: Previous cross-sectional studies suggest an association between low muscle mass and hypertension. However, whether low muscle mass predicts the development of hypertension is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between relative muscle mass and incident hypertension in a large prospective cohort of Korean adults. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we analyzed 132 324 participants without hypertension at baseline who underwent two health check-ups in 2012 and 2016 or in 2013 and 2017 with a 4-year interval. The participants were divided according to skeletal muscle mass index quartiles (Q1--Q4) according to their baseline skeletal muscle mass index [skeletal muscle mass index (%) = total skeletal muscle mass (kg)/body weight (kg) × 100). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the development of hypertension after 4 years. Results: After 4 years, 7180 (5.43%) participants developed hypertension. The incidence rates of hypertension were 12.11, 8.58, 6.93, and 4.37% in men and 4.02, 2.29, 1.73, and 1.18% in women in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. The multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident hypertension in Q1, Q2, and Q3, in comparison with Q4, were 1.46 (1.3–1.63), 1.31 (1.19–1.46), and 1.26 (1.14–1.40) in men and 0.97 (0.76–1.23), 1.12 (0.90–1.38), and 1.14 (0.92–1.42) in women, respectively. Conclusion: Low relative skeletal muscle mass was independently and significantly associated with the incidence of hypertension only in Korean men. Further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms of this relationship.

In response to the increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Korea, the growth of patients requiring renal replacement therapy and the subsequent increase in medical costs, the rapid expansion of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and the decrease in patients receiving home therapy, including peritoneal dialysis, the Korean Society of Nephrology has proclaimed the new policy, Kidney Health Plan 2033 (KHP 2033). KHP 2033 would serve as a milestone to bridge the current issues to a future solution by directing the prevention and progression of CKD and ESKD, particularly diabetic kidney disease, and increasing the proportion of home therapy, thereby reducing the socioeconomic burden of kidney disease and improving the quality of life. Here, we provide the background for the necessity of KHP 2033, as well as the contents of KHP 2033, and enlighten the Korean Society of Nephrology’s future goals. Together with patients, healthcare providers, academic societies, and national policymakers, we need to move forward with goal-oriented drive and leadership to achieve these goals.