Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
08:56

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue

Published on: May 17, 2018

Cardiovascular dysfunction with low cardiac output due to a small heart in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Kunihisa Miwa1, Masatoshi Fujita

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Nanto Family and Community Medical Center, Nanto, Toyama, Japan. miwa.kunihisa@city.nanto.lg.jp

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|November 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular symptoms are frequent in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients. Cardiac dysfunction, specifically a small left ventricle leading to low cardiac output, may contribute to CFS development.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is often associated with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular dysfunction, yet this area receives limited research attention.
  • Investigating cardiovascular involvement is crucial for understanding the multifaceted nature of CFS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular symptoms and evaluate cardiac function in patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • To determine if cardiac dysfunction plays a role in the pathophysiology of CFS.

Main Methods:

  • Cardiovascular symptoms were assessed through detailed patient interviews.
  • Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography in 53 patients (mean age 31 years) with CFS.
  • Electrocardiograms and chest roentgenograms were also utilized.

Main Results:

  • Common symptoms included orthostatic dizziness (45%), fainting (43%), chest pain (43%), and rapid heartbeat (38%).
  • Echocardiography revealed low cardiac indexes (<2 L/min/m²) in 36% of patients, attributed to small left ventricular chambers.
  • Electrocardiograms showed frequent right axis deviation (21%) and sinus arrhythmia (34%).

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular symptoms are highly prevalent in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • Low cardiac output, resulting from a small left ventricular chamber, may be a significant contributing factor to chronic fatigue in a subset of CFS patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
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...
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management01:29

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...