Arterial stiffness is associated with cancer mortality: Insight from Kailuan study

Abstract

BackgroundThere is limited evidence on the association between arterial stenosis and the risk of all‐cause mortality in cancer patients (ACMC). This study investigated whether the status of arterial function and structure measured by brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is associated with ACMC.MethodsA total of 43,943 Chinese adults underwent a baPWV examination. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between the baPWV values and ACMC.ResultsDuring a total follow‐up duration of 3.81 ± 2.50 years, there were 157 deaths among 553 cancer cases diagnosed during the follow‐up. Patients with baPWV ≥18 m/s showed an increased risk of ACMC compared to patients with ideal vascular function. In the multivariate‐adjusted model, we observed a significant association between arterial stiffness severity and ACMC with a hazard ratio (HR) 2.72 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55–4.80; p < 0.001) in those with baPWV ≥18 m/s. With a 1‐SD increase in baPWV, the HR (95% CI) for ACMC in the entire cohort, men, and patients ≤60 years old were 1.20 (95% CI: 1.03–1.41; p < 0.05), 1.20 (95% CI: 1.01–1.43; p < 0.05), and 1.44 (95% CI: 1.10–1.44; p = 0.008), respectively.ConclusionsIncreased arterial stiffness measured by baPWV is associated with ACMC. The association between high baPWV (≥18 m/s) and risk of all‐cause mortality was prominent in men and those ≤60 years of age.

Greater Adherence to Life's Essential 8 for Cardiovascular Health Is Associated With Lower Arterial Stiffness in Survivors of Cancer

“…In patients with cancer or survivors, arterial stiffening is associated with greater CVD and all‐cause mortality. 8 , 9 The greater arterial stiffness often observed in this population is likely due to the impact of the anticancer therapy on the vasculature. 4 , 5 , 6 Anticancer therapy elicits increases in oxidative stress and inflammation, which acts on the vasculature by impairing endothelial function and promoting arterial stiffening.…”

“… 3 Indeed, higher arterial stiffness is associated with CVD morbidity and mortality in the general population 7 and survivors of cancer. 8 , 9 Given the strong association between cancer, arterial stiffness, and CVD risk, it is imperative to identify behavioral means of attenuating or preventing increases in arterial stiffness in survivors of cancer to reduce CVD risk in this high‐risk population.…”