Higher cancer rates found in certain heart attack patients: Study

MONTREAL, Q.C. - A new study suggests higher cancer rates are found in heart attack patients who have been exposed to greater amounts of low-dose radiation from x-rays, CT scans and nuclear medicine, as opposed to those with less exposure.

Over a ten year period, researchers analyzed the medical records of almost 83,000 Quebec patients who suffered a heart attack.

The lead researcher from McGill University Health Centre said there has been an explosion in the use of x-rays, CT scans and nuclear medicine, especially in the United States.

Those behind the study said we should consider a system of documenting imaging tests and procedures so that estimates of each patient's cumulative exposure to low dose ionizing radiation are available.

The findings were published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.