The Heart Failure Society of America has released a scientific statement outlining its insights on the link between heart failure and cancer, the two leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the U.S. The statement was published Oct. 15 in the Journal of Cardiac Failure.
Researchers from institutions across the U.S. united to discuss the shared risk factors between cancer and heart failure as well as strategies for caring for cardio-oncology patients through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Here are five takeaways from the statement:
- Shared risk factors and incidence data between cancer patients, cardiovascular disease and heart failure are highlighted.
- The authors stressed the importance of providers being familiar with cardio-oncology care, as some cancer immunotherapies and radiation treatments have been shown to affect cardiovascular health.
- The statement presents guidance on risk stratification, monitoring and management of cardiotoxicity for patients with cancer across heart failure stages A through D.
- The authors recommended considering early palliative care for patients with cancer and heart failure to improve quality of life, manage symptoms and mitigate psychological stress.
- Cardio-oncology requires a team-based approach to care, according to the statement, including both care providers and support teams across specialties.
Read the full scientific statement here.