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The wasting continuum in heart failure: from sarcopenia to cachexia
1Department of Cardiology and Pneumology,University of Göttingen Medical School,Göttingen,Germany.
The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|August 13, 2015
Summary
Heart failure patients experience muscle wasting (sarcopenia) and fat loss (cachexia). This review explores the pathophysiology of wasting and potential therapies to conserve muscle and fat tissue.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Sarcopenia and cachexia are distinct but related conditions affecting heart failure (HF) patients.
- Sarcopenia involves loss of muscle mass and strength, while cachexia includes fat tissue loss, leading to overall weight reduction.
- In HF, muscle wasting often precedes fat loss, suggesting a continuum from sarcopenia to cachexia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of muscle and fat wasting in heart failure.
- To discuss potential therapeutic interventions for combating wasting in HF patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of sarcopenia and cachexia in heart failure.
- Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying tissue wasting.
- Compilation of current and emerging treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Sarcopenia affects ~20% and cachexia <10% of ambulatory HF patients.
- Skeletal muscle loss occurs earlier than fat loss in the wasting continuum.
- Various therapeutic avenues are being explored, including exercise and pharmacological agents.
Conclusions:
- Muscle and fat wasting are significant concerns in heart failure management.
- Interventions aimed at conserving muscle and fat tissue hold therapeutic promise.
- Further research into effective treatments for sarcopenia and cachexia in HF is warranted.
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