Cardiovascular Complications of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hematology
• Oncology

Background:

• Survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have a substantially increased risk of cardiac disease.
• This risk is notably higher, at least fourfold, compared to the general population, extending into long-term survivorship.
• Cardiac complications can occur acutely during HSCT and persist long-term.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the critical need for proactive cardiac risk assessment and management in HSCT survivors.
• To highlight specific cardiac risk factors requiring attention pre- and post-transplant.
• To advocate for collaborative care models in managing cardiovascular health for HSCT recipients.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical guidelines regarding cardiovascular complications post-HSCT.
• Emphasis on pretransplant screening protocols for cardiac risk factors.
• Recommendations for ongoing surveillance and management strategies in HSCT survivors.

Main Results:

• HSCT survivors exhibit a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Pretransplant screening for diabetes, hypertension, and arrhythmias is essential.
• Post-transplant surveillance should include screening for diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and left ventricular dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Aggressive screening and management of cardiac risk factors are imperative for HSCT survivors.
• Cardiology consultation is recommended for high-risk individuals pretransplant, especially those with a history of cardiovascular disease or atrial fibrillation.
• Integrated care through cardio-oncology clinics optimizes the management of cardiovascular complications in HSCT survivors.