Abstract

Exploring the Relationship between Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and the Peri-Arrest Period

Author(s): Meera Khan

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are two major health burdens worldwide, accounting for a significant number of morbidity and mortality cases. While CVD primarily affects the heart and blood vessels, cancer involves uncontrolled cellular growth and proliferation. Research has suggested a complex association between these two diseases, with emerging evidence highlighting shared risk factors, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment implications. Additionally, the peri-arrest period, characterized by the critical moments before a cardiac arrest event, presents a unique context where the interplay between CVD, cancer, and clinical outcomes becomes particularly important. This abstract aims to provide an overview of the relationship between CVD and cancer, focusing on their association in the peri-arrest period. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased risk of cardiac events among cancer patients, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance in this population. Common risk factors such as age, smoking, obesity, and chronic inflammation contribute to both CVD and cancer development, while specific cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may also pose cardiovascular risks. The interplay between CVD and cancer extends beyond shared risk factors, as overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms have been identified. Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, immune deregulation, and endothelial dysfunction contribute to the development and progression of both diseases. Moreover, certain cancer types, such as haematological malignancies and breast cancer, have been associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events, further linking CVD and cancer.Understanding the peri-arrest period is crucialas patients with both CVD and cancer face unique challenges during resuscitation attempts. The presence of cancer may complicate the diagnosis and management of acute cardiac events, and preexisting CVD can impact the prognosis and resuscitation outcomes. Additionally, the perilarrest period provides an opportunity to identify previously undiagnosed CVD in cancer patients, enabling timely intervention and improved outcomes. The association between CVD and cancer extends beyond shared risk factors, with overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment implications. The peri-arrest period presents a critical context for understanding the interplay between these two diseases, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary approaches to optimize patient care. Further research and clinical studies are warranted to unravel the intricate relationship between CVD and cancer during the peri-arrest period and develop tailored interventions to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.