Polycythemia Vera and Cardiovascular Disease: A Mini Review

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Cardiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm driven by JAK2 mutations.
• Cardiovascular complications, including thrombosis, are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in PV patients.
• Current treatments aim to reduce blood counts and thrombotic risk but may carry cardiovascular toxicity concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cardiovascular burden associated with Polycythemia vera.
• To discuss therapeutic strategies for mitigating cardiovascular risk in PV.
• To explore emerging perspectives on treatment-related cardiotoxicity in PV.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of Polycythemia vera, cardiovascular complications, and treatment strategies.
• Analysis of current therapeutic approaches and their associated cardiovascular risks.
• Inclusion of recent findings on cardiotoxicity, such as reversible left ventricular dysfunction.

Main Results:

• PV significantly increases the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis.
• Established treatments like phlebotomy, aspirin, and cytoreductive agents improve outcomes but raise cardiotoxicity questions.
• Ropeginterferon α-2b has been linked to reversible left ventricular dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Managing cardiovascular risk is crucial in Polycythemia vera.
• Structured monitoring for cardiotoxicity is essential, aligning with cardio-oncology guidelines.
• Further research is needed to understand and manage treatment-associated cardiovascular toxicity in PV.