Cardiac Cachexia in Heart Failure (CHF)

 

Mechanism: uncertain but may involve immune activation with cytokines release and/or neuroendocrine activation

 

Criteria – all of the other:

(1) presence of heart failure

(2) nonintentional weight loss > 6% of premorbid usual weight not due to diuresis

(3) weight loss occurs over a time period > 6 months

(4) not explained by other cause of cachexia (cancer, thyroid disease, liver disease)

 

where:

• The weight loss was > 7.5% in the 1999 article.

• If cytokines are involved then there should bo other signs of cytokine effects.

 

Limitations:

• Weight gain from fluid accumulation and weight loss from diuresis of excess fluids can mislead.