Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world (and Cass County). Cancer comes in as a close second.
Given the growing number of people affected by cancer and heart disease, it may not be too surprising to find out the two are often interconnected.
Doctors have long known that heart disease is a significant risk factor for those cancer survivors who are over age 60, overweight, have diabetes, or are suffering from high blood pressure or high cholesterol. But, in 2018, researchers discovered that cancer survivors of all stripes have a greater risk than people who never battled cancer: “People who had been treated for cancer had more than twice the risk of developing heart failure than those who had never had cancer” as a side effect of radiation and drugs that used as part of cancer treatment.
These researchers found, for example, that people with breast cancer were three times more likely to experience heart failure within five years of their cancer diagnosis than people without cancer.
Until the medical community finds effective ways to treat cancer patients without harming their hearts, cancer survivors should take steps to identify symptoms of heart problems as soon as possible and take steps to reduce their increased risk of getting heart disease by making lifestyle changes.
Unfortunately, not all heart problems come with big warning signs. That’s one reason why doctors recommend that cancer survivors be extra vigilant by monitoring their well-being and keeping an eye out for these common symptoms of heart disease and heart failure:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, your doctor can help you figure out what’s going on, make a diagnosis, and help you start feeling better. Be proactive and request an appointment with your provider to get any signs checked out to figure out if they’re heart-related.
If your symptoms are severe and you’re having a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Many of the same healthy lifestyle changes that doctors recommend as preventative measures for lowering the risk of heart disease will also reduce your chance of developing cancer.
Here are seven small changes you can make—today—to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure:
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