If you experience heart problems at any stage of your cancer care, your oncologist may connect you to a cardiologist that specializes in treating heart conditions that develop during or after cancer treatment. At Ascension Borgess Heart Institute Cardio-Oncology in Kalamazoo, MI, our cardio-oncology team delivers advanced care for cancer patients at risk for or that have been diagnosed with heart disease or cardiotoxicity. Your cardiologist works as part of your care team and has the expertise to provide heart screenings and deliver treatment options for your specific needs. Your cardiologist starts by listening to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a heart care plan that’s right for you.
Heart screenings and care during cancer treatment
Prolonged exposure to radiation, chemotherapy and other cancer treatments may impact your heart health. The heart muscle can be affected by the toxins in cancer therapies. To help prevent or reduce your risk of cardiotoxicity, your cardiologist may recommend screenings before or during your cancer treatment. Advanced screening may include:
- Blood tests
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan
- Chest X-ray
- Echocardiography (echo)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Multigated acquisition (muga) scan
Specialized cancer care for your heart
If you’ve been diagnosed with cardiotoxicity, you have a higher risk of developing other heart conditions and may need additional advanced care for:
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Blood clots
- Heart failure
- Heart tumors
- High blood pressure
- Myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart)
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
When you need more advanced heart care, your multispecialty care team may include oncologists, cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, hematologists, radiologists, and nurses. Your care team works together to monitor your heart health and deliver personalized treatment. Your doctor may also recommend medications, lifestyle changes and follow-up care to help manage your heart symptoms.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, including chest pain or stroke symptoms, go directly to the ER or call 911.
