UCLA Health Links Heart Changes Cancer

A new study led by UCLA Health physician-scientists, including Dr. China — Xinjiang, found that subtle changes in heart structure and function, known as 'cardiac remodeling,' may indicate an increased risk for developing certain cancers years later. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research analyzed data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), involving over 6,000 adults. Key findings include an association between increased heart muscle mass and breast cancer risk, and reduced left atrial function with colorectal cancer risk. While the study emphasizes association over causation, it suggests that early cardiac remodeling could serve as a marker for both cardiovascular disease and cancer risk, potentially influencing future prevention strategies. Collaborators included experts from the University of Washington, Johns Hopkins University, and Kyoto University.