Cardiologist referrals improve cholesterol levels in prostate cancer patients, but may not be necessary for all
Men with prostate cancer have a high risk of heart disease, especially when treated with hormone therapy. A large international, first-of-its-kind study led by Hamilton researchers found that routine referrals to an internist or cardiologist improved cholesterol levels but did not lead to fewer heart attacks, strokes, heart failure or cardiovascular deaths.
A study by researchers at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences found that routine referrals of prostate cancer patients to cardiologists or internists improved cholesterol levels and statin and blood pressure medication use over a 6-year period. However, the referral strategy did not significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure or cardiovascular deaths.
This finding, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, raises questions about the necessity of such referrals for all prostate cancer patients. The research, led by Darryl Leong, suggests that the benefits of cardiovascular care may be more pronounced for patients with specific risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol levels above 4 mmol/L.
Leong emphasized the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors in prostate cancer care, noting that heart health is often overlooked in favor of cancer treatment. The study involved 2,501 men from eight countries and randomly assigned them to receive usual cancer care or usual care plus referral to a cardiovascular specialist.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
