Having a Heart Attack May Make Breast Cancer Grow Faster

Many breast cancer survivors have an increased chance of getting heart or blood vessel disorders (cardiovascular disease) due to their treatment. A recent study discovered that suffering a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, may accelerate the growth of breast cancer.

Some breast cancer treatments can harm the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in survivors. Less exercise and other lifestyle changes before and after treatment can increase that risk.

However, no one had posed the inverse query: Does a cardiovascular event in [breast cancer survivors] affect their cancer? The experts of the best heart treatment in India are undergoing a lot of studies to come to a conclusion truth.

The researchers first looked at data from two earlier studies of women with breast cancer to see how cardiovascular illness affects cancer. Over 1,700 women were followed up by the studies for an average of 12 years, during which time some of them experienced the onset of cardiovascular disease. The team concentrated its investigation on breast cancer patients who did not have a cardiovascular illness at the time of their diagnosis.

A 59% increased chance of breast cancer recurrence was discovered in survivors who experienced certain cardiovascular disorders and events, such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmia. Compared to women who did not develop cardiovascular disease, these women also had a 60% higher risk of dying from breast cancer. It is always advisable to reach out to the professionals of cancer treatment in India whenever there is any issue with your health.

Studies on Monocytes

According to recent research, several illnesses and circumstances can alter immune cells permanently. These adjustments, also known as epigenetic changes, have an impact on genes without altering their DNA structure. The scientists discovered that heart attack-affected mice had broad epigenetic alterations in their monocytes. The modifications changed the cells’ function from immune suppressors to cancer fighters. Additionally, the researchers discovered proof that the epigenetic modifications might take place in monocyte precursor cells, a stage earlier. These in the bone marrow stored cells mature into mature monocytes.
Twenty days after either a heart attack or a fake surgery, the scientists removed bone marrow from mice. After that, the bone marrow was transplanted into healthy mice. After the healthy mice had recovered from the transplant, mouse breast cancer cells were injected into them. Mice that had bone marrow transplants from mice that experienced heart attacks developed breast tumours that were larger more than three weeks later. This finding raises the possibility that bone marrow precursors could be altered to act as immune suppressors.

What does this mean for you?

Many breast cancer survivors are more likely to age with other conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, and osteoporosis because of the treatments they’ve had. Experts established the concept of survivorship care planning to ensure that breast cancer survivors are routinely checked for these and other diseases they may be at higher risk for. The plan is a written document that details your particular medical requirements, worries, and recommended doctors.

The Link Between Breast Cancer and Heart Disease

Understanding the connections between breast cancer and heart disease is essential for the 3 million American women who have survived the disease, not to mention the 266,000 women who are anticipated to receive a diagnosis this year. Since 90% of women already have at least one heart disease risk factor, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women each year.

Just being aware that they may have a higher risk of developing heart disease can be comforting for breast cancer survivors who may have undergone radiation treatment a decade or more ago. Women can regularly monitor their symptoms and any early warning signals, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Additionally, researchers have discovered many risk factors for both heart disease and breast cancer. For instance, aging, a bad diet, inactivity, and smoking all raise your risk for both conditions.

Exercise and weight loss are two lifestyle modifications that can lower your risk of both. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, breast cancer survivors can lower their chance of developing heart disease.

   Breast Cancer , Cardiology Treatment

Tags: breast cancer, heart attack