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Cardiac Cachexia

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Cardiac Cachexia

Overview

Cardiac cachexia is unintentional severe weight loss caused by severe heart failure. The weight loss might be life-threatening.

Even with a very good appetite and high calorie intake, some people lose muscle mass.

Cardiac cachexia can require supplemental nutrition.

How it happens

  • Heart failure may cause blood to back up into the liver and intestines, and they may swell. This swelling can lead to nausea and decreased appetite.
  • Poor blood flow or swelling of the intestines may not allow for adequate absorption of nutrients from the food you eat.
  • Heart failure may force you to work harder to breathe and cause your body temperature to increase. Both of these conditions burn calories.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.