Exercise, cancer and cardiovascular disease: what should clinicians advise?

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in persons with cancer. The elevated risk is thought to derive from the combination of cardiovascular risk factors and direct cardiotoxicity from cancer therapies. Exercise may be a potential strategy to counteract these toxicities and maintain cardiovascular reserve. In this article, we review the evidence for the potential cardioprotective effects of exercise training in cancer patients before, during, and following treatment. We also propose a patient-tailored approach for the development of targeted prescriptions based on individual exercise capacity and cardiovascular reserve.

Cancer therapy's impact on lipid metabolism: Mechanisms and future avenues

“…Non-pharmacologic approaches to lipid-lowering in cancer patients are also important. Exercise oncology is a growing area of interest to promote health and longevity among cancer survivors ( 159 ). Tailored pre- and post-treatment exercise programs are being studied for their potential to reduce the detrimental effects of cancer therapy on the cardiovascular system as well as overall morbidity and mortality ( 159 , 160 ).…”

“…Exercise oncology is a growing area of interest to promote health and longevity among cancer survivors ( 159 ). Tailored pre- and post-treatment exercise programs are being studied for their potential to reduce the detrimental effects of cancer therapy on the cardiovascular system as well as overall morbidity and mortality ( 159 , 160 ). Among patients without cancer, exercise has been shown to increase blood lipid consumption and decrease lipid levels.…”

Do Pathophysiologic Mechanisms Linking Unhealthy Lifestyle to Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer Imply Shared Preventive Measures? ― A Critical Narrative Review ―

“…32, 33 Because sedentary behavior is also common in cancer patients and may contribute to their increased risk of CVD, patient-tailored exercise programs have been proposed to improve cardiovascular health in these patients. 34…”

The Mediterranean Lifestyle to Contrast Low-Grade Inflammation Behavior in Cancer

“…Exercises carried out gradually and consistently may enhance certain benefits related to the tumor’s pathology and the treatments given, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and prevent the reappearance of neoplastic disease [ 48 , 49 ]. Aerobic exercise enhances cardiovascular and respiratory health as well as strength, endurance, and musculoskeletal health in cancer patients [ 50 , 51 ]. Exercise prevents weight gain, diminished muscular strength, and cardiotoxicity in individuals on androgen deprivation for prostate cancer [ 52 ].…”