The Interplay Between Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: Shared Risk Factors and Therapeutic Implications

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and a growing body of evidence has revealed a complex and bidirectional relationship between these conditions. This interaction encompasses the cardiovascular sequelae of anticancer therapies, shared risk factors, and common biological mechanisms, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of this interface. To synthesize current evidence on the interplay between cardiovascular disease and cancer, with emphasis on shared risk factors, cardiovascular toxicities associated with oncologic therapies, and clinical implications for prevention and management, based exclusively on the abstracts provided. This is a narrative literature review developed through the analysis of six abstracts from scientific articles and consensus documents provided by the author. The included publications ranged from 2021 to 2025, were published in English, and addressed epidemiological, mechanistic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of the relationship between cardiovascular disease and cancer. Data were extracted and qualitatively synthesized using thematic analysis. Epidemiological evidence demonstrates that cancer survivors have significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.37), heart failure (HR: 1.52), and stroke (HR: 1.22), independent of traditional risk factors, with variation according to cancer type. Metabolic dysregulation emerges as a shared biological mechanism underlying both conditions. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are associated with cardiovascular toxicities, including myocarditis, which typically occurs early, may be fulminant, and requires immediate treatment with high-dose corticosteroids. Standardized definitions for cardiovascular toxicities have been established through international consensus to facilitate research and clinical practice. Multidisciplinary care involving cardiologists, oncologists, and other specialists is essential for optimal patient management. The interplay between cardiovascular disease and cancer is complex and bidirectional, requiring integrated approaches to prevention, monitoring, and treatment. Cancer survivors represent a high-risk population requiring targeted cardiovascular prevention strategies. Future research should focus on elucidating underlying mechanisms, validating standardized toxicity definitions, and developing evidence-based preventive interventions tailored to specific cancer types and therapies.