Cardiac Cachexia

This chapter concentrates on the pathophysiology of cardiac cachexia. It also discusses the possible clinical implications, and outlines the potential future development of therapeutic strategies. In particular, it explores the epidemiology and aetiology of cardiac cachexia. It then evaluates the alterations of body composition and the pathogenesis of cardiac cachexia. The therapeutic options include pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, and physical training. With improved knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology, a number of emerging treatment strategies for prevention and treatment are being developed and tested. Although no specific treatment is currently available, several approaches with the use of neurohormonal drugs, nutritional support, ghrelin, and physical training appear to show potential benefits and the results of ongoing clinical trials in cardiac cachexia are awaited.