People living with cancer face a significantly higher risk of dying from heart-related diseases compared to those without cancer, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers suggest this elevated risk may be driven by long-term changes in inflammation levels and blood clotting mechanisms triggered by cancer and its treatment.

The study, conducted by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, analysed extensive health, genetic and blood protein data to understand why cardiovascular deaths occur more frequently among cancer patients.

Why Heart Health Is Crucial in Cancer Care

Advancements in cancer therapies have dramatically improved survival rates, allowing many patients to live longer after diagnosis. However, this extended lifespan has brought new health concerns to the forefront. The researchers noted a clear increase in cardiovascular-related deaths among cancer survivors, highlighting the need for sustained heart health monitoring during and long after cancer treatment.

They emphasized that younger patients and those diagnosed at an early stage should remain vigilant, as heart-related risks may take years to surface following therapy.

What the Study Examined

The researchers analysed data from 3,79,944 individuals who had no history of heart disease at the start of the study, including 65,047 participants diagnosed with cancer. Using advanced techniques such as genome-wide association studies and proteomic analysis, the team explored whether cancer and cardiovascular disease share underlying biological pathways.

Key Risk Factors Identified

The study identified nine independent factors linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular death. These included age, sex, smoking habits, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood sugar levels (HbA1c), kidney function marker cystatin C, and neutrophil count, an indicator of inflammation.

The findings underline the importance of managing metabolic, kidney-related and inflammatory risks in cancer patients.

Interestingly, survival rates from cardiovascular disease were similar for people with and without cancer during the first 10 years of follow-up. However, beyond this period, survival declined more sharply among cancer patients. Researchers believe this may be due to the long-term effects of cancer and its treatments, including persistent inflammation and abnormal blood clotting, even after the cancer itself has been controlled.