Cardiovascular risk management in cancer survivors: Are we doing it right?

Turab Mohammed1, Tarang Parekh2, Aakash Desai3

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06030, United States.

Insights

Cancer survivors face higher risks of death from heart problems after treatment. Addressing cardiovascular risks with a team approach is vital for prevention and survival.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cancer survivors have an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications post-treatment.
  • Cardiovascular disease burden in survivors stems from multifactorial influences.
  • Early detection and intervention are crucial for mitigating cardiovascular risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the increased cardiovascular risk in cancer survivors.
  • To discuss limitations of current cardiovascular risk prediction tools for this population.
  • To offer insights into cardiovascular risk management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors.
  • Analysis of the shortcomings of current risk prediction scores.
  • Discussion of multidisciplinary approaches for cardiovascular risk management.

Main Results:

  • Current risk prediction scores inadequately assess cardiovascular risk in cancer survivors.
  • A comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy is essential for effective management.
  • Specific considerations are needed for primary care physicians, oncologists, and cardiologists.

Conclusions:

  • Cancer survivorship necessitates specialized cardiovascular risk assessment and management.
  • Addressing cardiovascular complications is critical for improving long-term outcomes in cancer survivors.
  • Further research is needed to refine risk prediction and management protocols.

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