Cardiovascular health risks linked to cancer treatments and heat waves

Medical specialists are highlighting various factors that can compromise cardiovascular health, ranging from medical treatments to environmental conditions.

In the Dominican Republic, cardiologist Claudia Almonte warned that cancer treatments can cause cardiovascular complications, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or hypertension, even in patients without prior heart conditions. She emphasized the necessity of coordinated care between oncologists and cardiologists, recommending periodic evaluations including echocardiograms before, during, and after therapy. Almonte noted that cardiovascular risks can persist for up to 10 years following the conclusion of oncological treatments.

In Venezuela, cardiologist Juan Gómez of Grupo Médico Santa Paula noted that intense heat waves pose significant challenges to the heart. High temperatures force the body to work harder to regulate temperature, accelerating heart rate and increasing blood flow to the skin. This can exacerbate existing conditions like hypertension and arrhythmias, increasing the risk of heart attacks, particularly in elderly individuals or those with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or smoking.