Ideal cardiovascular health (ICVH) in patients with a recent diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC)

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular events are an important cause ofmortality in patients cured of colorectal cancer and are also potential complications of new therapies for metastatic CRC. The American Heart Association's “Simple 7” offers a practical public health conceptualization of cardiovascular health. They include healthy behaviours: non-smoking, active physical activity (MVPA > 150min/w), healthy diet and low bodymass index (BMI); and health factors: no hypertension, no diabetes, no hypercholesterolemia. Whereas factors are non-modifiable, behaviours can be changed. Studies have shown that prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health in the US is only 0.1%. Methods: Patients with a recent diagnosis of CRC who accepted to participate were prospectively evaluated. BMI, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol were measured at the hospital. Physical activity was objectively evaluated with accelerometers. Adherence to a healthy diet was evaluated through the PREDIMED (adherence to Mediterranean diet) questionnaire. Information about smoking and past cardiovascular disease or risk factors was obtained from the clinical record. Results: 91 patients were recruited between March 15 and March 17. 36% were metastatic. Age 65 (25-81), 69% male 31% female, BMI 26.2±3.6, Waist 95,6±12 cm, mean MVPA 350±248 min/wk, mean sedentarism 3394±1123. 9% had a history of CV disease (ischemic, cerebrovascular, heart failure). 34% were classified as high CV risk. Only one patient showed an ICVH. Conclusions: The prevalence of ICVH in a population of Spanish CRC patients was 1%. This population was overall compliant with PA recommendations, adhered to a healthy diet and less than 10% smoke in the last year. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor. Overweight was the most prevalent unhealthy behaviour. Interventions should be aimed at reducing BMI. Interventions exploring programs with vigorous physical activity and diet modifications in CRC survivors are warranted. (Table Presented).