A new study highlights that many lung cancer patients already have risk factors for heart disease at the time of their diagnosis. These factors, including older age and smoking history, make them more likely to develop serious heart conditions in the future.
Researchers say that improving heart health assessments for these patients could lead to better survival rates and overall care. The study was presented at the Advancing the Cardiovascular Care of the Oncology Patient course, organized by the American College of Cardiology (ACC).
The Link Between Heart Disease and Lung Cancer
Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death in the United States. Lung cancer and heart disease share common risk factors, with smoking being one of the biggest contributors to both conditions.
Many lung cancer patients already have cardiovascular disease when they are diagnosed, which increases their risk of complications and death. In addition, some lung cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, can further raise the risk of heart disease.
Dr. Christopher Malozzi, the lead researcher of the study and director of cardio-oncology services at the University of South Alabama, explains that identifying heart disease risk in lung cancer patients is crucial. “By recognizing these risks early, we can take steps to manage them and improve patient outcomes,” he says.
What the Study Found
The research team studied 276 lung cancer patients and analyzed their CT scans, which were originally taken for cancer staging. These scans provided valuable information about heart health by detecting atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The key findings included:
- 77.9% of patients had detectable atherosclerosis, meaning that the majority of lung cancer patients already showed signs of heart disease.
- 47.8% had high systolic blood pressure (130 mmHg or more) and 38% had high diastolic blood pressure (80 mmHg or more), both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
- 27.2% of patients were obese, another major risk factor.
- 88.8% were either current or former smokers, making smoking the most common risk factor among the group.
Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, while diastolic blood pressure is the pressure between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg.
Dr. Malozzi emphasizes that smoking was the biggest risk factor in this group, followed by age, high blood pressure, and obesity. While the study did not have enough data to fully assess cholesterol and diabetes, these are also important factors in cardiovascular disease.
Using Existing CT Scans to Improve Care
Since lung cancer patients already undergo CT scans for staging and diagnosis, researchers suggest that these scans could be used to assess heart disease risk at the same time.
By identifying atherosclerosis early, doctors could provide guidance on lifestyle changes, diet, and medication to help manage heart disease risks. This approach could also reduce the need for additional tests, lowering healthcare costs.
Dr. Malozzi believes this strategy could lead to earlier interventions and better outcomes. “Using imaging that is already available allows us to identify heart disease risks and start treatment sooner,” he says.
Expanding the Research
The research team also conducted a similar study on gynecological cancer patients and found that nearly one-third had atherosclerosis. This suggests that heart disease is a widespread issue among cancer patients and highlights the need for better cardiovascular screening.
Many of the risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity, can be managed with proper medical care and lifestyle changes. By addressing these risks early, doctors may be able to improve the overall health and survival of cancer patients.
This study reinforces the importance of heart health in cancer care. As researchers continue to explore these connections, integrating cardiovascular screening into cancer treatment plans may become a key strategy in improving patient outcomes.
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