Subtle heart changes linked to heightened risk of cancer
Small changes in the heart over time may signal an increased risk of certain cancers, according to a new analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.[1]
The study’s authors reviewed data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), focusing on more than 4,500 patients between the ages of 45 and 84 with available cardiac MRI results. Patients were followed for an average of 18 years.
Overall, researchers found that certain cardiac MRI measurements already tracked to monitor cardiovascular health are also associated with cancer risk. For example, patients with increased heart muscle mass were more likely to go on to develop breast cancer. In addition, reduced left atrial function was linked to a greater risk of going on to develop colorectal cancer.
“This study suggests that structural and functional changes in the heart may occur alongside – or even before – biological processes linked to cancer development,” lead author Xinjiang Cai, MD, PhD, a UCLA Health cardiologist and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, said in a statement. “It adds to mounting evidence that these two diseases share underlying biological pathways and are intertwined.”
This does not prove that cardiac remodeling causes cancer, the authors noted. However, it does highlight the potential value of these cardiac biomarkers and suggest an even closer relationship between cardiovascular health and cancer than clinicians previously realized.
“Early cardiac remodeling may serve as an early marker to identify individuals at risk for both cardiovascular disease and cancer,” Cai added. “Our study suggests that imaging markers already used to identify people at risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, may also help identify people at elevated risk for cancer.”
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Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.