Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Chemotherapy
is known to increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, but researchers say
physical activity for a group of patients known to get less exercise could
lower that risk.
Researchers in Pittsburgh
and Italy, in a study published Sunday in the European Journal
of Preventive Cardiology, suggest tailored exercise programs for cancer
patients during and after chemotherapy can prevent or reverse heart damage
related to cardiotoxicity.
People with cancer often
experience cardiovascular diseases as side effects. As a result, cardiovascular
risk factors such as high blood pressure -- as well as heart health risk
factors like smoking, weight and diet -- can all play a higher role in
cardiotoxicity.
"Physical activity
before, during and after cancer treatment can counteract the negative effects
of therapies on the cardiovascular system," Dr. Flavio D'Ascenzi, a
researcher at the University of Sienna and lead author of the new study, said
in a press release. "In addition, it can relieve symptoms such as nausea
and fatigue and help prevent unwanted changes in body weight."
While every cancer and
cancer patient is different, researchers on the new study suggest endurance
training may be good for overall heart performance and reduction in inflammation.
Resistance training could be better for more frail patients. Inspiratory muscle
training is better for those with thoracic cancer.
Depending on a patient's
health condition -- exercise may carry risk for some, such as those who are
frail or have low hemoglobin levels -- doctors should work with a full medical
team ranging from oncologists and cardiologists to psychologists and
nutritionists to design exercise programs.
Once the proper dose of
exercise has been found, researchers say, patients need to be monitored. The
benefits, however, can often by felt by patients when they start to get moving,
even making the fatigue of cancer treatment more bearable.
"Cancer patients are
often less active than adults without cancer," D'Ascenzi said.
"However, exercise is essential for patients diagnosed with cancer who are
under treatment, irrespective of the type of treatment."
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