Table 1.

Key findings of Malnutrition in Cardiac Surgery Patients.

Key Findings	Summary
Causes of Pre-operative Malnutrition	Acute and chronic diseases, impaired neurophysiological status, physical inactivity, anxiety, depression, sarcopenia, and decreased appetite due to heart failure and aging.
Impact on Post-operative Outcomes	Higher morbidity and mortality, decreased quality of life, and increased risks of complications such as cardiac cachexia and sarcopenia.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms	Includes hormonal changes (e.g., cortisol, testosterone), inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-6), hypoalbuminemia, and altered cardiovascular and metabolic functions.
Psychosocial Factors	Psychological stress, neuropsychological issues (e.g., depression, dementia), and lifestyle factors contribute to worsened nutritional status.