Kacheksja i jej konsekwencje kardiologiczne u chorych na nowotwory złośliwe

Recent reports indicate a multi-factor influence of cancer cachexia not only on skeletal muscles, but also on a heart muscle. This phenomenon is still not fully explained, although it concerns over 50% of cancer patients. Recent years also provided new reports concerning mechanisms underlying molecular changes in cachexia and their effect on functioning of the heart system and associated clinical symptoms. First of all, attempts were made to limit those changes with pharmacological measures. This article presents a review of reports concerning the influence of cancer cachexia on the heart function and mechanisms controlling the vascular system. This paper also presents current knowledge on prevention of atrophic changes and symptomatic treatment.