Patients with myelofibrosis (MF) are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular complications, including heart failure. Pulmonary hypertension is also common for those with MF. Heart problems occur in 66% of all myelofibrosis patients. Some of the conditions that can develop may be:
At the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference, a study was presented on cardiovascular-related mortality risk with outcomes based on the use (and non-use) of ruxolitinib. This medication works by blocking the signals that cause cancer cells to multiply which helps to stop the spread of cancer throughout the body.
Ruxolitinib was first introduced for use with myelofibrosis patients in 2011 and has since shown improved survival. Yet, studies have shown that with the administration of ruxolitinib, cardiovascular failure is still the third leading cause of death for myelofibrosis patients.
The study presented at ASH 2023 compared patients who were administered ruxolitinib and those who were not. 4,509 patients were studied with the median age of 65 years old. Some of the study statistics noted:
Myelofibrosis can lead to anemia and can cause heart problems such as arrhythmia, an enlarged heart, or heart failure. There is no guarantee that a patient won’t develop a heart condition, but there are steps patients can take to help prevent complications:
Patients with myelofibrosis (MF) are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular complications, including heart failure. Pulmonary hypertension is also common for those with MF. Heart problems occur in 66% of all myelofibrosis patients. Some of the conditions that can develop may be:
At the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference, a study was presented on cardiovascular-related mortality risk with outcomes based on the use (and non-use) of ruxolitinib. This medication works by blocking the signals that cause cancer cells to multiply which helps to stop the spread of cancer throughout the body.
Ruxolitinib was first introduced for use with myelofibrosis patients in 2011 and has since shown improved survival. Yet, studies have shown that with the administration of ruxolitinib, cardiovascular failure is still the third leading cause of death for myelofibrosis patients.
The study presented at ASH 2023 compared patients who were administered ruxolitinib and those who were not. 4,509 patients were studied with the median age of 65 years old. Some of the study statistics noted:
Myelofibrosis can lead to anemia and can cause heart problems such as arrhythmia, an enlarged heart, or heart failure. There is no guarantee that a patient won’t develop a heart condition, but there are steps patients can take to help prevent complications:
about the author
Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters, a puzzle lover, writer and HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.
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