Cancer and Heart Health

Many cancer drugs and treatment can damage the heart

With so many treatment advancements, more cancer patients are surviving longer. During the years after treatment, another health issue is emerging in survivors: heart disease.

Many cancer drugs and treatments cause direct damage to the heart, which can weaken the heart and cause a variety of heart problems. Known as cardiotoxicity, they affect the heart in different ways. Historically, people were so concerned with recovering from cancer that it was the only objective. With the increase in cancer survivorship, there's also an increased incidence of heart issues.

Heart issues related to cancer treatment

heart failure
high blood pressure
low blood pressure
heart attacks
irregular heartbeat
slow heart rate
fluid around the heart

Radiation treatment is associated with:

heart valve disease
heart attacks
thickening of the pericardium

Thickening of the pericadium (the lining of the heart) leads to a condition called constrictive pericarditis.

Symptoms to watch for:

fatigue
shortness of breath
chest pain
heart palpitations
swollen legs
swelling of the stomach
dizziness
fainting

People with these symptoms should tell their primary care doctor and ask to be seen by a cardiologist.

Having an evaluation with a cardiologist prior to beginning a known cardio-toxic therapy is a must. There are several cardio-oncology clinics across the country, including at the U-M Cardiovascular Center. These programs offer care from a cardiologist who is knowledgeable regarding the toxic effects of cancer treatment. Collaborating with the oncology team, they can provide guidance in preventing, monitoring and managing heart toxicities.

As a survivor, being informed about reporting any new symptoms such as chest pain, leg swelling and shortness of breath immediately to your doctor is important. Follow-up care and healthy living are also key points in cancer survivorship. This can include:

Regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol
Strive to maintain a healthy weight (excess weight increases risk of heart disease and cancer recurrence)
Regular daily exercise (lowers blood pressure)
No smoking
Reduce stress (Stress is risk factor for heart disease)
Eating a healthy diet
Limit Alcohol (alcohol intake can raise blood pressure)