Baroreflex Sensitivity, Vascular Status, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Breast Cancer Survivors - A Cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading malignancy with significant annual incidence.
• Therapeutic advancements have improved survival but introduced cardiovascular and pulmonary side effects.
• These treatment-related sequelae necessitate further investigation into long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), vascular status, pulmonary function, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in breast cancer survivors (BCS).
• To compare these parameters in BCS aged 30-60 years, 2-3 years post-treatment, with age and BMI-matched healthy females.
• To identify potential long-term physiological impacts of breast cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design.
• Inclusion of 33 breast cancer survivors and 33 healthy controls.
• Evaluation of BRS, vascular parameters (e.g., CIMT), pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, PEFR), and CRF (VO2 max, Ruffier Dickson Index).

Main Results:

• BCS exhibited significantly lower BRS, indicating autonomic dysfunction.
• Pulmonary function tests showed reduced FEV1, FVC, and PEFR in BCS.
• BCS had diminished CRF, evidenced by lower VO2 max and a higher Ruffier Dickson Index, suggesting poorer cardiovascular recovery.

Conclusions:

• Breast cancer survivors face an elevated risk of impaired cardiac autonomic and pulmonary functions post-treatment.
• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are likely contributors to these adverse cardiopulmonary effects.
• Comprehensive monitoring and targeted rehabilitation are essential to mitigate risks and improve survivors' quality of life.