Prevention of cardiovascular disease is important in cancer patients

With the increasing number of cancer survivors, the medical community is becoming increasingly aware of a hitherto less noticed health risk: cancer therapy-related cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, cardiovascular disease triggered or exacerbated by cancer drugs ranks second among causes of long-term morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors. To mark World Heart Day on 29 September, Jutta Bergler-Klein from MedUni Vienna's Division of Cardiology is raising awareness of the importance of preventing cardiovascular disease, particularly among cancer patients.

Cardio-oncology is the name given to the comparatively new field of research into the connections between cardiovascular diseases and cancer, the two most common causes of death in industrialised western countries such as Austria. As the prognosis for cancer patients improves, the phenomenon of cardiotoxicity is becoming increasingly significant. This is damage to patients' hearts caused or exacerbated by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

We now know that cardiotoxicity can lead to high blood pressure, valve disease, premature coronary artery calcification, heart failure, coronary syndromes such as myocardial infarction or arrhythmia."

Jutta Bergler-Klein, Division of Cardiology, MedUni Vienna's Department of Medicine II

In 2018, the cardiologist launched a special outpatient clinic for cardio-oncology at MedUni Vienna and is committed to drawing the attention of both doctors and patients to this specialty, which is gaining prominence in the medical world due to the growing number of cancer survivors.

Cardiac protection before, during and after cancer therapy

Cardio-oncology research shows that it is not only cancer drugs that can impair cardiac function but also substances produced by tumors. Conversely, chronic heart failure causes a chronic systemic inflammatory state, which can promote cancer development. Therefore, the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease are important at all times, especially after a cancer diagnosis and before, during, and after cancer therapy. Under no circumstances must the measures taken in any way delay or impede vital cancer treatment.

An international working group including Jutta Bergler-Klein recently drew up the first ever clear guidelines for cardiovascular primary and secondary prevention as well as treatment in cancer patients in the context of cardio-oncology guidelines. However, cancer patients themselves can also help to protect their cardiovascular system: "Cardiac risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, should be treated promptly. Exercise and sporting activity, even during chemotherapy, if possible, can reduce potential cardiotoxicity, for example by neutralizing oxygen radicals and preventing muscle wastage," emphasizes Bergler-Klein.

Source:
Journal reference:

Lyon, A.R., et al. (2022) 2022 ESC Guidelines on cardio-oncology developed in collaboration with the European Hematology Association (EHA), the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO) and the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS): Developed by the task force on cardio-oncology of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). European Heart Journal. doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehac244.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Cleveland Clinic presents new findings on triple-negative breast cancer vaccine