Arterial stiffness in hematologic malignancies

Malignant and cardiovascular disorders are the top causes of mortality worldwide. This article reviews the main literature data and mechanisms linking hematologic malignancies and arterial stiffness, focusing on recent experimental and clinical results. Several links were found in hematologic malignancies between complete blood count and arterial stiffness. Chemotherapy, especially anthracyclines, cyclophosphamide and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as radiotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are the main known causes of arterial stiffness increase in hematologic malignancies. The mechanisms of arterial stiffness elevation in hematologic malignancies include an increased oxidative stress, impaired vascular wall homeostasis, endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis of endothelial cells, overexpression of inflammatory cytokines, accelerated atherosclerosis, increased blood viscosity and unstable platelet aggregates. Guidelines regarding cardiovascular health screening and cardiovascular risk scores are necessary for hematologic cancer survivors in order to improve prognosis and quality of life of the patients.