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Green, Danielle B.

A5113250357 | I2802423016

Mayo Clinic

WinnMed

Citations 1

Navigating Sarcopenia Risks in GLP-1RA Therapy for Advanced Heart Failure

Biomedicines | May 2, 2025 | Volume: 13 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 1108

10.3390/biomedicines13051108 | PMID 40426935

Cardiac cachexia (CC) is a severe complication of advanced heart failure (HF), characterized by involuntary weight loss and muscle wasting, leading to poor outcomes and higher mortality. Despite its severity, CC remains under-recognized and undertreated, lacking targeted therapies specifically addressing its pathophysiology. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), though beneficial in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with HF, may exacerbate muscle wasting in cachectic patients, necessitating further investigation. Non-pharmacological strategies, including tailored nutritional support and exercise programs, have shown positive effects on body composition and quality of life in patients with CC. However, there remains a gap in recommendations tailored to preventive strategies and pharmacologic therapies for patients with CC and concomitant GLP-1RA use. This review highlights the multifactorial mechanisms underlying CC and current and emerging therapeutic approaches for mitigating HF-related sarcopenia while on GLP-1RAs.