What is the relationship between obesity and improved outcomes in the syndrome of HF?
Obesity and increased fat or lean mass likely represent a beneficial greater metabolic reserve in HF. Studies have demonstrated that higher body mass, whether fat or lean mass, is associated with improved outcomes in the syndrome of HF. It is also well recognized that cardiac cachexia or unintentional weight loss is associated with advanced HF state and increased mortality, suggesting that obesity can be beneficial in HF.