Description: Unexplained loss of weight.

Some causes related to cardiovascular disease: Weight loss can occur in patients with severe, end-stage heart disease, if the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to the body's tissues.  

Some causes related to other disorders: Many systemic illnesses can cause weight loss, including hyperthyroidism, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and many others.

Significance: Unexplained weight loss must be fully evaluated since it may be an important sign of underlying illness.  Usually, however, if weight loss is due to cardiac disease, many other symptoms of cardiac disease are present, and the diagnosis is not subtle.