Cardiac cachexia

Abstract

Cardiac cachexia is a syndrome, more common in the elderly, which is characterized by a negative energy balance and subsequent weight loss and generalized wasting, occurs frequently in patients with end-stage heart failure. Various mechanisms have been postulated to explain the pathogenesis of cardiac cachexia but recent studies suggest that cachectin (TNF-Tumor Necrosis Factor) may play an important role. Two TNF receptors (TNF-R1, TNF- R2) are thought to mediate and regulate most of the effects of TNF. Adequate nutritional management (Nutritional Support Program) before and after operation on patients with serious congestive heart failure is necessary as an important factor of the total medical care.