Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Colorectal Cancer Patients at Diagnosis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the leading causes of chronic illness and mortality in Western societies. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer and shares some risk factors with CVD, which is the major cause of mortality in CRC survivors. The American Heart Association recommends Life's Simple 7 to define and measure ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH). This study aimed to detail the iCVH in CRC patients at diagnosis.

A cross-sectional study of a cohort of Spanish patients with CRC describes health and behavioral factors at diagnosis. Physical activity was monitored using accelerometers; Diet was assessed through adherence to Mediterranean diet, and anthropometry was assessed by the body mass index (BMI). Hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking were collected from clinical records.

Two hundred thirty-eight CRC patients participated (66.4% male, 64.7 years mean age), 153 (64.3%) had localized disease, and 85 (35.7%) had metastatic disease. 10% had a history of CVD. 10 patients (4.3%) met 7 components of iCVH. Non-smoking (89.5%) was the most prevalent healthy behaviour, whereas BMI < 25 was the least (39.1%). Hypertension (62%) was the most common risk factor.

There is still some room for decreasing the habit of smoking. Initiatives for keeping a healthy diet and body composition are needed during and after the treatment.

Assessing iCVH at diagnosis, which is considered a teachable moment, would raise awareness among health practitioners and patients about the importance of cardiovascular health along CRC trajectory and about behaviours that can be improved and impact on both cardiovascular and cancer outcomes.