Cancer treatments can increase your risk for heart problems - even years later. At Sentara, 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
In our cardio-oncology program, we use the latest diagnostic tools to identify risk factors and potential heart complications.
We might use advanced tests, such as:
- Echocardiogram with strain analysis
- Cardiac MRI
We also have specific monitoring schedules to ensure we detect issues early. Diagnostic tests help guide heart treatment or adjust cancer therapies. If you're receiving chemotherapy, you may have an echocardiogram:
- Before treatment
- During treatment at three months and six months
- After treatment at six months, 12 months or longer
We welcome you to learn more about our imaging and diagnostic testing services.
By regularly screening for heart issues, we can intervene early to reduce your risk for complications. Our renowned heart program also offers nonsurgical and surgical interventions to treat all types of heart disease. Your doctor will work with you first by:
Prescribing heart medication
If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, it's important to get them under control before starting cancer treatment. We may prescribe medications such as:
- Beta blocker: Medication that lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- ACE inhibitor: Medication that lowers blood pressure by preventing blood vessels from constricting
- Statin: Medication that reduces high cholesterol and the risk of a heart attack or stroke
Our cardio-oncologists may also prescribe a medication that is a cardioprotectant or chemoprotectant. These medications prevent or reduce heart damage caused by chemotherapy drugs.
Making changes to your treatment plan may prevent or lessen the effects of heart complications. Our heart specialists will coordinate with your oncologist to make adjustments to best help you.
Call 1-800-SENTARA (1-800-736-8272) to learn more.