Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors are predisposed to ischemic heart disease and, thus, cardiovascular risk factors in this group should be treated aggressively, researchers concluded after conducting a study involving >2,300 individuals. HCT recipients had had undergone transplantation between 1970 and 2010 and survived for ≥1 year. Investigators questioned them via survey about cardiovascular health and lifestyle factors, and looked at incidence of ischemic heart disease and overall mortality. Among the results:

• 7% reported baseline ischemic heart disease.
• 4% of those who did not have baseline ischemic heart disease developed it within 5 years.
• Baseline obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and physical inactivity were linked with increased ischemic heart disease risk.
• Greater physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake at baseline were linked with lower overall mortality.
• Each additional cardiovascular risk condition and adverse lifestyle factor were independently linked with subsequent ischemic heart disease.