Main navigation is closed
Cancer treatments can increase your risk for heart problems - even years later. At ¸Û°Äͼ¿â, our cardio-oncologists work closely with cancer doctors to protect your heart. Together, we ensure that you receive the most effective cancer care while preventing or treating any heart issues.
In cardio-oncology, heart specialists carefully monitor the heart health of cancer patients and cancer survivors. Our goals are to:
- Ensure better outcomes for patients with cancer and cardiac issues
- Provide earlier detection of cardiac side effects from cancer treatments
- Prevent or reduce further cardiac damage - and when possible reverse it
- Monitor patients with potential cardiac issues who are receiving cancer treatments
- Better understand cardiac issues in cancer patients by participating in research studies
- Eliminate cardiac disease as a barrier to effective cancer therapy
Chemotherapy and radiation can cause a range of heart complications, including:
- Blood clots
- Cardiomyopathy, weakened heart muscle
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure, reduced ability of the heart to pump blood
- Heart rhythm issues (arrhythmia)
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
- Inflammation surrounding the heart (pericarditis)
- Stroke
Before starting cancer treatment, some patients already have heart issues, which chemotherapy or radiation can worsen.
Other individuals may be at an increased risk for heart problems. Risk factors can include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Older age
- Smoking