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Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction in Cancer Therapy: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Tyler Abram Kilgore1, Sruthi Vellanki2, Sravya Vellanki3
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
Cardiology Research
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is a common side effect of cancer therapy. Structured exercise programs show promise in improving autonomic function and patient outcomes in cardio-oncology.
Area of Science:
- Cardio-oncology
- Autonomic dysfunction
- Cancer therapy
Background:
- Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is an underrecognized complication of cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity.
- It manifests as orthostatic hypotension, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, and reduced heart rate variability, often without structural heart disease.
- These autonomic abnormalities can increase symptom burden, impair functional capacity, and elevate cardiovascular risk in cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical manifestations of chemotherapy-associated cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.
- To evaluate therapeutic strategies for managing this condition.
- To highlight opportunities for improving patient-centered outcomes in cardio-oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current evidence on cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in cancer patients.
- Evaluation of various interventions, including exercise, relaxation techniques, and pharmacologic therapies.
- Synthesis of findings to inform clinical practice and future research.
Main Results:
- Structured exercise programs demonstrate significant improvements in autonomic indices, functional capacity, and quality of life.
- Relaxation and mindfulness-based interventions offer adjunctive benefits.
- Pharmacologic therapies are primarily symptom-directed, with limitations due to comorbidities and lack of oncology-specific evidence.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is a significant and potentially modifiable complication of cancer therapy.
- Structured exercise is a key intervention for improving autonomic function and patient outcomes.
- Multidisciplinary approaches are needed to optimize care for patients with chemotherapy-associated autonomic dysfunction.
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