How Useful Is CT Imaging in Identifying Atherosclerosis in Patients With Lung Cancer?

By: JNCCN 360 Staff
Posted: Thursday, February 20, 2025

Several cardiovascular risk factors, such as advanced age and smoking history, are prevalent among patients with lung cancer at the time of the diagnosis and increase their risk of future heart disease, according to a study recently presented during the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC’s) Advancing the Cardiovascular Care of the Oncology Patient course. Comprehensive assessments are needed in this patient population to improve survival outcomes and quality of care. “Recognition of cardiac risk factors and atherosclerosis allows for earlier treatment interventions and risk factor modification in these patients,” said study author Christopher Malozzi, DO, of the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, in an ACC press release.

The study assessed 276 patients with lung cancer at a cancer center for existing atherosclerosis on staging computed tomography (CT) scans. Data were collected on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, body mass index, age, sex, race, smoking status, and type of lung cancer.

The results showed that 77.9% of the participants had detectable atherosclerosis on CT scans. Additionally, the data revealed that 47.8% of the patients had systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mm Hg, and 38% had diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80 mm Hg. Overall, 27.2% of the participants were obese, and 88.8% were current or former tobacco users.

“Smoking was by far the most prominent cardiac risk factor in this group. This was followed by advancing age, hypertension, and obesity,” Dr. Malozzi said. “This study suggests it may be reasonable to consider concurrent coronary calcium scoring on imaging obtained for lung cancer staging or screening to aid in identification of atherosclerosis and earlier intervention such as lifestyle, diet, and cardiac risk factor modification education. The use of imaging already available may also reduce the need for additional testing in these patients and cut down overall health-care costs.”

Disclosure: No information provided.

American College of Cardiology

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