Hypertension prevalence in early breast cancer patients undergoing primary surgery

Treatment with chemotherapy and targeted drugs may results in elevated risk of cardiac and renal toxicity as well as hypertension. However, data on prevalence of chronic kidney disease and hypertension in subjects with early breast cancer undergoing primary surgery are very limited.

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and hypertension (evaluated as a preoperative assessment and defined according to ESC/ESH guidelines) in a cohort of 100 consecutive female patients with early breast cancer treated with primary surgery with curative intent.

Patients with breast cancer were 53 ± 14 years of age, with serum creatinine of 0.68 ± 0.14 mg/dl and estimated glomerular filtration rate by chronic kidney disease-epidemiological collaboration formula of 99 ± 18 mL/min/1.72 m². Hypertension was present in 37%, but in the elderly patients (over 65 years) the prevalence was 74%. Hypertensive females had worse kidney function as reflected by higher serum creatinine and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher body mass index and fibrinogen, which reflects general inflammatory state. When we divided the patients according to age (≤ vs >65 years) and the presence of hypertension, the elderly hypertensive females had significantly worse kidney function, higher fibrinogen and fasting glucose.

The prevalence of hypertension in patients with breast cancer raises with age, and presence of comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease. Hypertension should be treated promptly to prevent cardiovascular complications during oncological therapy.