Cardiotoxicity can be described as dysfunction of the heart stemming from exposure to drugs, pollutants, or other toxins. The irreversible cardiac dysfunction and development of heart failure is characterized by electrophysiological, morphological, and biochemical alterations. Cardiotoxicity is often associated with a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and autonomic disbalance.
Drug-induced cardiotoxicity
Cardiovascular toxicity often causes higher drug attrition rates, particularly for small molecule projects. The chronic administration of drugs, for example in cancer treatments, can also cause cardiac complications.
Electrocardiography analysis can provide deep insights into drug-induced myocardial pathology and help mitigate safety liabilities.
Pollution-induced cardiotoxicity
Inhaled particulate matter (PM) has recently been linked to a staggering 20% of mortality worldwide. Studies show chronic inhalation of particulate matter causes alterations in cardiac electrophysiology, and can lead to arrhythmias, oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Pre-existing cardiovascular disease further increases the risk of adverse cardiac events following chronic PM exposure.
Functional cardiovascular outcomes such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood pressure, and other hemodynamic endpoints can offer powerful insights into cardiac rhythm abnormalities associated with exposure to drugs and pollutants.