cardiac cachexia
Severe weight loss and muscle wasting that occurs in advanced heart failure patients.
Full Definition
Cardiac cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by unintentional weight loss of at least 6% of total body weight over 6-12 months in patients with chronic heart failure. This condition involves the loss of both muscle mass and fat tissue, often accompanied by inflammation and metabolic abnormalities. It represents an advanced stage of heart failure and is associated with poor prognosis. The syndrome differs from simple malnutrition as it cannot be reversed by nutritional supplementation alone and involves complex neurohumoral and inflammatory pathways.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from general cachexia by its specific occurrence in heart failure patients and resistance to nutritional intervention alone.
In Context
- "The patient's cardiac cachexia had progressed to the point where she had lost 15% of her body weight despite adequate caloric intake." — Clinical case report
- "Screening for cardiac cachexia should be performed regularly in patients with NYHA Class III-IV heart failure." — Clinical guideline