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Cancer Patients Face Higher Heart Death Risk: Study Reveals Key Factors

A new study reveals that patients with cancer face a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases. The research links this increased risk to altered expression of proteins related to inflammation and blood coagulation. It identifies nine independent risk factors for cardiovascular death, including age, smoking, and blood pressure. Interestingly, the survival rates for heart disease were similar for the first decade but declined sharply thereafter for cancer patients.

Key Points: Cancer Patients at Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Death: Study

  • Cancer patients have higher cardiovascular death risk
  • Inflammation and protein changes are key mechanisms
  • Nine independent risk factors identified
  • Survival gap widens after 10 years
2 min read

Study shows heart disease deaths surge in patients with cancer

New study finds cancer patients are more likely to die from heart disease, identifying key risk factors and underlying protein mechanisms.

"Our study found an elevated cardiovascular death in patients with cancer. - Research Team"

New Delhi, Jan 5

Patients with cancer are more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases, according to a study.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, showed that the risk may be related to altered expression of inflammation‐ and coagulation‐related proteins.

The researchers from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences stressed the need to manage endocrine, kidney, and inflammation‐related risk factors in people with cancer.

"Our study found an elevated cardiovascular death in patients with cancer," said the team.

"Patients with cancer need to pay attention to the risk of cardiovascular mortality, particularly among younger individuals and those diagnosed at an early stage; in clinical practice, it is recommended to emphasise the management of endocrine, kidney, and inflammation‐related risk factors in the population with cancer," they added.

Previous studies have identified a link between cancer and cardiovascular disease; however, the underlying genetic and proteomic mechanisms remain unclear.

Therefore, the new study aimed to investigate the association between cancer diagnosis and cardiovascular mortality and to explore the potential mechanisms involved.

The team studied a total of 3,79,944 participants without cardiovascular disease at baseline, including 65,047 individuals with cancer.

Genome‐wide association studies, phenome‐wide association studies, and proteomic analyses were applied to investigate the underlying genetic and proteomic mechanisms.

The results revealed only a limited number of shared genetic variations between cancer and cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension and cardiac dysrhythmias.

The researchers also identified nine independent risk factors for cardiovascular death, including age, sex, smoking, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, cystatin C, and neutrophil count.

Interestingly, the probability of survival from CVD was comparable between participants with and without cancer during the first 10 years of follow‐up but declined more sharply thereafter among patients with cancer.

This was possibly associated with the reduction in systemic tumour burden and the resolution of inflammation and coagulation disorders following treatment therapies, the team said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The study mentions younger individuals are at higher risk. That's alarming. In our fast-paced lives, stress and poor lifestyle are already giving us heart issues. Adding cancer to the mix is a double whammy. Time for more awareness and regular check-ups, folks.
A
Aman W
Interesting research, but I wish it had more data specific to the Indian population. Our genetic makeup and prevalent conditions like diabetes might show different patterns. Hope ICMR or AIIMS does a follow-up study here.
S
Sarah B
Managing inflammation is key. In Indian diets, we have so many natural anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Perhaps integrating dietary guidance with cancer treatment protocols could be a supportive measure. Food is medicine too.
V
Vikram M
The finding about survival being comparable for the first 10 years is crucial. It means there's a window for intervention. Our public health policy should mandate cardiac screening for all cancer survivors as part of long-term follow-up care.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The article highlights the problem well, but offers little practical advice for patients or families. What specific tests (for cystatin C, neutrophil count?) should we ask our oncologists about? More actionable info would help.
N
Nisha Z

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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