Cardiac cachexia: addressing the challenge

Abstract

Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome associated with many long-term or end-stage conditions, and is characterised by loss of muscle with or without loss of fat mass. The current review examines strategies to help identify and manage cardiac cachexia, as well as research into pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and discusses implications for nursing practice. Despite a lack of available pharmacological therapies to treat this condition, there is still a significant role for cardiac nurses to play. Initially, this will focus on prevention of onset through optimising evidence-based medication. However, important later roles will include identifying patients at risk, onward referral and patient management within the wider multidisciplinary team.