Heart failure patients may have higher cancer risk

Conclusion This study raises concerns about a possible association between heart failure and a higher risk of cancer. However, there is some uncertainty about the results. Further research is required looking at this important area. It is possible that other factors called confounders influenced the results: both measured confounders, such as smoking, and unmeasured ones. Aside from smoking, it appears that researchers did not take account of other lifestyle measures that might be a risk factor for both diseases, such as diet and alcohol consumption. The researchers did not report on the types of cancer patients had, which might have been useful in examining the association further. As the researchers say, it is possible that there is an underlying risk factor for both heart failure and cancer – for instance, patients with a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have an increased risk for both heart failure and lung cancer. Other mechanisms suggested by the researchers include the stress of chronic illness, or physiological factors associated with heart failure, such as inflammation, tissue death and hormonal changes. But all of the above is firmly in the realm of speculation. As yet, it is unclear why people with heart failure appear to have an increased risk of cancer.   Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines Heart attacks increase the risk of devel...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Cancer Source Type: news