Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors Among Cancer Patients: 5-Year National Inpatient Sample...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are leading causes of mortality in the U.S.
• Limited data exists on CVD prevalence in U.S. cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and distribution of CVD among hospitalized cancer patients in the U.S.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 24,748,225 hospital encounters from the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2020)
• Examined CVD prevalence by age, sex, race, and cancer type
• Weighted estimates generated per National Inpatient Sample guidelines

Main Results:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) was the most prevalent CVD (23.9%), followed by atrial fibrillation (20.3%) and heart failure (18.3%)
• Men and Black patients showed higher prevalence for several CVDs, including hypertension and CAD
• In-hospital mortality was highest among Asian/Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Black patients

Conclusions:

• CAD is the most frequent CVD in cancer patients.
• Men, Black patients, and those with prostate cancer have a higher CVD burden.
• Non-White patients experienced higher in-hospital mortality, highlighting the need for targeted cardiovascular care in oncology.