Heart rate variability and quality of life ın patients with breast cancer metastasis

Abstract

The implementation  of Holter monitoring  (HMECG)  and quality of life questionnaires  in clinical practice allows  for the assessment of the risk of developing dangerous heart rhythm disorders and the most important parameters related to the daily activities of patients with breast cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical and psychological health, taking into account the variability of heart rate in patients with breast cancer complicated by metastatic lymph node involvement. Material and methods. The study used data from questionnaires  completed by 115 breast cancer patients with metastatic lymph node involvement  who were receiving treatment at the Republican  Oncological  Hospital, divided into two groups: a main group of 45 patients with metastatic breast cancer and lymph node involvement, and a control group of 70 patients without lymph node involvement. The average age of the patients was between 30 and 60 years old. Complaints associated with heart rhythm disorders were considered as criteria for indicating HMECG. Quality of life questionnaires were performed using official versions of EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-C30/BR23 questionnaires. Results. According to the results of statistical analysis, it was found that the effective refractory period of the atria (ERP PR) in the main group during atrial fibrillation (AF) was shorter than in the control group (p = 0.001). It was also found that in addition to shortening the ERP PR, an important factor in diagnosing breast cancer is an increase in the recovery time of the sinus node function and its corrected equivalent (CVVFSU) at relatively low average values of daily, nocturnal, and diurnal heart rate frequencies. Worsening overall condition or general fatigue are some of the most common symptoms encountered in breast cancer patients, which should be considered as important parameters significantly affecting the quality of life of patients burdened with metastatic regional lymph node involvement.