Cancer and Coronary Artery Disease: Common Associations, Diagnosis and Management Challenges

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and cancer often occur in the same patients via common biological pathways and shared risk factors. A variety of chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy can influence the development and progression of CAD. The diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease may be challenging in certain cases such as premature CAD secondary to radiotherapy. The management of CAD in cancer patients in the stable, acute and chronic settings can often be complicated by issues related to ongoing or previous cancer treatment or the cancer itself. A multidisciplinary approach in the setting of a cardio-oncology service is often best-served to optimally treat such patients.