How Are Heart Disease And Breast Cancer Related?

For breast cancer patients, improved screening and treatment outcomes have increased survival. The number of breast cancer survivors is already over 3 million, and by 2030, it is expected to reach over 5 million. The average 5-year survival rate for breast cancer patients is 90%. This requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a primary care doctor, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a pharmaco-oncologist, and frequently a cardio-oncologist. The Cardio-Oncology team's mission is to make sure patients may receive the best cancer treatment while reducing their risk of heart problems and managing any heart abnormalities that may develop as a result of the cancer treatment.

Which Breast Cancer Patients Are Prone to Cardiovascular Issues?

The number one cause of death for both men and women in the general population is cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, compared to age-matched controls, individuals with breast cancer have an even higher rate of CVD. This is probably because breast cancer and cardiovascular disease risk factors are connected, in addition to cancer-related treatments. Importantly, managing cardiovascular risk factors and coexisting conditions improves breast cancer survival while also reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

It is possible to distinguish between patient-related risk factors and medication-related hazards when determining a patient's risk for cardiac problems due to breast cancer.

There is an increased risk of cardiac events in women over the age of 60, as well as in those with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, prior anthracycline treatment, or chest radiation.

What Cardiovascular Conditions Are Most Commonly Associated With Breast Cancer Treatment?

The development of cardiomyopathy and systolic heart failure in individuals receiving chemotherapy drugs like anthracycline is one of the most significant cardiac side effects (Doxorubicin or Epirubicin). It is known that anthracyclines cause topoisomerase inhibition, apoptosis, mitochondrial damage, and increased oxidative stress. This may begin as an asymptomatic decline in heart function (lower Ejection Fraction), and it may develop into systolic heart failure. A cumulative dose of 250 mg/m2, a dose of 14 mg/m2, and a dose of 400 mg/m2 all result in an exponential rise in this risk: 6%, 14%, and 33%, respectively. Combining cyclophosphamide with another drug increases the risk as well.

How Can the Risk Be Minimized?

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is among the most vital elements in minimizing cardiac problems after breast cancer treatment. Exercising for 30 to 45 minutes five days a week, alternating it with strength training, yoga, and stretches. Examples of aerobic exercises are brisk walking, swimming, and cycling. Eating a balanced diet that avoids processed meat and refined sugar while including fruits and green leafy vegetables. To prevent coronary artery disease, it is essential to treat diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia as well as to stop smoking.

CPR Class Memphis has been guiding participants with the latest techniques to deal with the victims of choking and breathing. The hands-on live training seems to be extremely helpful for uplifting the confidence level of the students.

Thinking of renewal of certificate? Visit the training site or call to enroll yourself.