Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors in Iraqi Cancer Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Iraqi Journal of Cancer and Medical Genetics  ·  2026

Firas R. AL-Obaidi; Loma AL-Mansouri; Baraa AL-Asadi; Shuruq AL-Dahash; Nabaa AL-Khafaji; Fitouh AL-Mahzam; Tabark AL-Asadi; Anfal AL-Azzawi;

HIGHLIGHT

These comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, may result from underlying pathology similar to that of noncancer patients, chemotherapy, or direct tumor extension. Our study aims to estimate the burden of cardiovascular diseases among cancer patients in our community.Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted at Basra Oncology Center and Basra Hematology Center.

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ABSTRACT

Background: Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are major causes of mortality worldwide. Comorbidities among cancer patients significantly influence prognosis and quality of life. These comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, may result from underlying pathology similar to that of noncancer patients, chemotherapy, or direct tumor extension. Our study aims to estimate the burden of cardiovascular diseases among cancer patients in our community.Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted at Basra Oncology Center and Basra Hematology Center. In this study, adult patients with different types of cancer, including solid and hematological malignancies, were included. The investigators extracted data from the medical records of the patients, including demographic data, past medical history, cancer type and stage, type of treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy), and history of cardiovascular diseases (ischemic heart disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, pericardial disease, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accidents, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus).Results: We randomly enrolled 250 adult patients, including 173 females (average age 53.4 years, range 20-87). Breast cancer was the most common type, followed by gastrointestinal, genitourinary, lung, hematological, and brain tumors. Among the 250 patients, 51 (20.4%) had cardiovascular diseases, with ischemic heart disease being the most frequent, followed by venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, arrhythmia, heart failure, and valvular diseases. Additionally, 207 patients (82.8%) had cardiovascular risk factors, with hypertension being the most prevalent risk factor.Conclusion: The burden of cardiovascular disease and risk factors significantly present across all types of cancer. Early diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease in cancer patients are needed to improve prognosis.

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