Cardio atrophy is defined as a reduction in the mass of the heart muscle (myocardium) caused by various factors that lead to the wasting of cardiac tissue due to hemodynamic and/or metabolic stresses. In simpler terms, it's when the heart muscle shrinks.
Here's a breakdown:
- Myocardial Mass Reduction: The primary characteristic of cardio atrophy is the decrease in the size of the heart muscle cells.
- Causes: A range of factors can induce cardio atrophy, including:
- Hemodynamic Stress: Changes in blood flow and pressure can stress the heart.
- Metabolic Stress: Issues with the body's metabolism can impact the heart. Specific examples include:
- Cachexia: Severe weight loss and muscle wasting often seen in chronic diseases like cancer or heart failure.
- Starvation: Lack of adequate nutrition.
- Prolonged Bed Rest or Immobilization: Reduced physical activity can lead to muscle atrophy, including the heart.
- Mechanism: The underlying mechanism often involves decreased protein synthesis and increased protein degradation within the heart muscle cells.
- Consequences: Depending on the severity, cardio atrophy can impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to various cardiovascular problems.
In essence, cardio atrophy is a condition where the heart muscle weakens and shrinks due to a lack of use, malnutrition, or underlying medical conditions, potentially leading to decreased cardiac function.
