Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Published on: March 27, 2018
Body mass, chronic heart failure, surgery and survival
Andrew L Clark1, Stefan D Anker
1Department of Academic Cardiology, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, UK. a.l.clark@hull.ac.uk
Abstract:
Cardiac cachexia, associated with excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system together with immune activation, is an important prognostic indicator in heart failure. Anecdotally, the prevalence of cardiac cachexia appears to be falling, perhaps due to the increased use of beta-blockers. However, chronic heart failure is so common that many patients continue to lose weight and continue to deteriorate to a point where transplantation or mechanical support is considered. The origin of cachexia remains elusive and further research is needed to explore the relation between weight, sympathetic activation, and the response to cardiac surgery or transplantation.
Related Concept Videos
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Heart Failure I: Introduction
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
