Cardiovascular Health among Black and White Breast Cancer Patients Initiating Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiovascular health of Black and White breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant treatment. Baseline data from a cohort study of Black (n = 45) and White (n = 101) breast cancer patients initiating aromatase inhibitor treatment were analyzed. Participants had a cardiovascular health assessment, including carotid intimal medial thickness measurement, donated a blood sample, and completed a questionnaire. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event risk scores were calculated. Compared to their White counterparts, the Black patients had a significantly higher median ASCVD risk score (p = 0.009) and had a higher number of CVD risk factors (p < 0.05). Black patients were also more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, or to be obese than the White participants. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Black and White breast cancer patients is high, and racial disparities exist which may have treatment implications.