QT prolongation can be attributable to various causes that can be categorised as acquired or congenital. Arrhythmias related to QT prolongation can result in clinical presentations, such as syncope and sudden cardiac death. The perioperative period presents a number of issues that may affect a patient's risk of developing polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or torsades de pointes. Although most patients may have an unremarkable perioperative course, some may have complications; this review article aims to help clinicians avoid potential complications, and to help them address treatment for perioperative issues that may occur.
Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the most common causes of mortality in the US, causing approximately 1.2 million deaths annually. The incidence of cancer is expected to increase as the population ages. The prognosis of cancer patients has improved over the last few decades primarily because of newer chemotherapeutic drugs; however, many of these drugs have cardiotoxic side effects. The short-term cardiovascular toxicities of more established drugs are well described; however, understanding of the underlying pathogenesis is increasing. The delayed cardiotoxic effects of cancer treatments have become an important issue contributing to mortality and morbidity as cancer survivorship increases. Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity can manifest in many ways, from asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction to congestive heart failure. Hypertension is commonly seen both as a co-morbidity and a side effect of chemotherapy. In this article, we discuss the pathogenesis, scope, presentation and potential prevention of these toxicities.
Cancer treatment has advanced in recent years with new drugs, complex regimes and multiple modalities of treatment; which has improved survival of cancer patients. Cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy is an emerging, important issue. Currently, echocardiographic evaluation of ejection fraction is the most commonly employed diagnostic tool for detecting chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. However, novel echocardiographic techniques assessing myocardial mechanics using strain imaging can detect earlier changes. New imaging techniques and biomarkers can risk stratify patients to identify those requiring closer monitoring. Cardiologists collaborating with oncologists can detect and treat cardiovascular chemotherapeutic complications earlier, reducing morbidity and mortality. While cardiac MRI and multigated acquisition nuclear scanning are alternatives, echocardiography has become the mainstream for assessing cardiac function due to its portability, efficiency and low cost. Current recommendations regarding cardiac monitoring of cancer patients are based on expert consensus opinion. There is a need for prospective controlled trials to support specific guidelines.
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