Family members of cancer patients face higher heart disease and stroke risk

Individuals who have family members being treated for cancer may want to pay greater attention to their own health. New research indicates that the families of cancer patients have much higher rates of coronary heart disease and stroke.

The researchers said that there is plenty of evidence suggesting that family members of cancer patients face a greater risk of mental disorders like depression. However, the new study is among the first to link caring for an ill loved one to cardiovascular health problems.

For the study, investigators from the Center for Primary Care Research in Malmo, Sweden, examined data from national patient and caregiver registries. They found that individuals caring for a family member with cancer were between 13 and 19 percent more likely to suffer a stroke or develop heart disease.

"Our study shows that preventive efforts aimed at reducing psychological stress and negative risk factors are important for people whose life partner has got cancer," said lead researcher Jianguang Ji. "Previous studies have shown that preventive work can considerably reduce stress and anxiety in close relatives of patients."

Caregivers may benefit from a simple visit to their primary care doctor. This physician may spot risk factors for heart disease that can be treated with a prescription to buy Lipitor.