[breadcrumb]
Is There a Connection Between Mesothelioma and High Blood Pressure?
The rare cancer known as mesothelioma can cause a range of symptoms and health complications. However, elevated blood pressure is not known to be directly traceable to malignant pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the disease. Even still, treatment of cancer and other factors can make mesothelioma more likely to coincide with high blood pressure (hypertension), especially if someone has pericardial mesothelioma, the incredibly rare form that originates on the heart’s outer lining.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops on the mesothelial linings that protect and lubricate certain major organs[1]. The cancer is most commonly seen in individuals who have a history of being exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. 90% of mesothelioma cases originate upon the pleura, which is a tissue covering the lungs[2]. Just 1% of mesothelioma cases originate on the heart’s pericardium[3].
Looking specifically at pleural mesothelioma, the common symptoms of the disease do not include an increase in blood pressure[4]. Instead, individuals may feel pain in their chest, have shortness of breath, have trouble swallowing, and suffer from a persistent dry cough.
Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pains, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia) or a heart murmur[5]. A pericardial effusion can also develop, which leads to excess fluid weighing upon the heart and possibly impeding its functions. In these instances, blood pressure may increase[6].
Note that pleural mesothelioma can metastasize to the pericardium. Around 29% of primary pleural mesothelioma patients see the disease infiltrate the pericardium, and 12% suffer from pericardial effusions[7].
Looking at an inverse relationship, having high blood pressure can lead to complications for those suffering from any form of mesothelioma. Heart failure, for instance, can cause a transudative pleural effusion as blood pressure increases[8].
Patients with a history of hypertension or heart disease may also have increased risks for treatments ranging from chemotherapy to surgery to radiation[9]. Mesothelioma can exacerbate chronic conditions like hypertension or asthma[10]. Healthcare providers may have to take steps to protect mesothelioma patients immediately after an operation in order to maintain adequate arterial pressure[11].
There is also a number of research studies that indicate that those exposed to asbestos may have a higher risk of heart disease or stroke. A comprehensive case review found that male workers who handled asbestos during their career are 39% more likely to have fatal heart disease and 63% more likely to have a fatal stroke[12]. The connection between asbestos exposure and cardiovascular health is not yet fully understood, however.
Finally, individuals undergoing cancer treatment and who have hypertension should be aware of the increased risks of treatment. Anti-VEGF medications, for instance, can raise blood pressure[13]. Chemotherapy and radiation can likewise cause damage to the heart that can impair heart functioning[14], potentially causing blood pressure to reach abnormal levels.
In conclusion, mesothelioma can lead to effusions that affect blood pressure through an indirect relationship. Individuals with a history of high blood pressure may experience complications and increased risks during cancer treatment. High blood pressure can also cause pleural effusions in some instances. However, the direct link between asbestos exposure and cardiovascular health is not fully understood and requires more study.
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375022
[2] https://www.pulmonologyadvisor.com/pulmonary-medicine/malignant-pleural-mesothelioma/article/660962/
[3] http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/71/11_Supplement/A2374
[4] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
[5] https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/radiographics.21.2.g01mr15439
[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pericardial-effusion/symptoms-causes/syc-20353720
[7] http://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2017.35.15_suppl.8556
[8] http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=117&pid=1&gid=000086
[9] https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/types-of-cancer/mesothelioma/prognosis
[10] https://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/training/asbestos/Chapter%202%20check.pdf
[11] https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/15/5/242/240385
[12] https://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-04-asbestos-workers-significantly-heart-diseasestrokes.html
[13] https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cardio-oncology/high-blood-pressure/
[14] https://heart.bmj.com/content/105/1/6
