What causes low blood pressure in patients with advanced cancer?

Dec 25, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

Low blood pressure in patients with advanced cancer may be caused by malnutrition, medication effects, blood loss, severe infection, or cancer metastasis. If a patient exhibits symptoms of low blood pressure, timely medical evaluation is essential. Patients with advanced cancer and low blood pressure need special care in daily life; maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits can help alleviate hypotension.

Low blood pressure in patients with advanced cancer may be caused by malnutrition, medication effects, blood loss, severe infection, or cancer metastasis. If a patient exhibits symptoms of low blood pressure, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and implement appropriate treatment measures. Specific details are as follows:

1. Malnutrition

Patients with advanced cancer often suffer from prolonged illness and loss of appetite, leading to malnutrition and physical weakness, which can impair normal physiological functions, including the body's ability to regulate blood pressure.

2. Medication Effects

Patients with advanced cancer may undergo various drug treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments can cause a range of side effects, including lowered blood pressure.

3. Blood Loss

Advanced cancer patients may experience internal or external bleeding due to tumors. Blood loss reduces the volume of circulating blood, resulting in decreased blood pressure.

4. Severe Infection

Cancer patients typically have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections. Severe infections can trigger a heightened inflammatory response, causing symptoms such as fever and increased heart rate, which can affect blood pressure levels.

5. Cancer Metastasis

In advanced stages, cancer cells may metastasize to blood vessel walls, causing them to thin or narrow. This compromises normal blood circulation and can lead to reduced blood pressure.

Patients with advanced cancer and low blood pressure need to pay special attention to their daily lifestyle. Maintaining healthy habits, including proper diet and routine, can help alleviate low blood pressure.

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Is not treating late-stage cancer the best treatment?

There is no such thing as "not treating late-stage cancer is the best treatment." Patients with advanced cancer should seek medical care promptly and cooperate with their doctors. It is crucial for patients with advanced cancer to receive early medical intervention and actively follow their doctors' treatment plans. Although in the advanced stage, tumors may have spread or grown significantly, it is precisely at this stage that timely medical intervention can bring substantial benefits to the patient.

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What causes shortness of breath and heart discomfort in patients with advanced cancer, and what should be done about it?

In general, shortness of breath and cardiac discomfort in patients with advanced cancer may be related to anemia, direct effects of cancer, side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, pulmonary complications, or inflammatory responses, and targeted management can be implemented accordingly. Patients with advanced cancer need to actively cooperate with their doctors' treatment, while paying attention to maintaining a balanced diet and a positive mindset to prolong prognosis.

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Can terminal cancer patients eat shrimp?

If a patient with advanced cancer is in relatively good physical condition and does not have a shrimp allergy, they can usually consume shrimp in moderation, which helps supplement nutrition and provides certain health benefits. However, if the patient is physically weak or allergic to shrimp, they should avoid eating it, as it may impair nutrient digestion and potentially trigger allergic reactions, which would be detrimental to their health.

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Can pleural and peritoneal effusion be cured?

Whether pleural and peritoneal effusions can be cured depends on the underlying cause. If the fluid accumulation is due to tuberculosis infection, it is usually curable; however, if it results from advanced cancer, it may not be curable. Regular health check-ups, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in moderate exercise, and avoiding excessive fatigue are recommended in daily life to enhance immune function and reduce the risk of disease.