Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Using Framingham Risk Score in Korean Cancer Survivors

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant cause of illness and death in cancer survivors.
• Understanding CVD risk factors in this population is critical for improving long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate modifiable CVD risk factors in cancer survivors.
• To compare the 10-year CVD probability using the Framingham risk score between cancer survivors and the general population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 1,225 cancer survivors and 5,196 non-cancer controls from the 2007-2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
• Assessed modifiable CVD risk factors: smoking, BMI, physical inactivity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and elevated glucose.
• Calculated 10-year CVD probability using the Framingham equation for individuals aged 30-74 without pre-existing CVD.

Main Results:

• Cancer survivors exhibited higher levels of fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol, alongside lower HDL cholesterol compared to controls.
• The average 10-year CVD probability was significantly higher in cancer survivors of both sexes.
• Elevated CVD risk was particularly noted in survivors of hepatic, colon, lung, breast, and gastric cancers.

Conclusions:

• Cancer survivors possess an increased risk and 10-year probability of cardiovascular disease compared to non-cancer controls.
• Effective management of CVD risk factors and targeted prevention programs are essential for cancer survivor care.