Cardiac (Heart) Toxicity
It may seem strange to think about your heart when you've been diagnosed with cancer, but some cancer treatments can weaken or damage your heart, blood vessels and lungs. This condition is called cardiac toxicity. To help manage your risk for heart toxicity, your oncologist may recommend regular heart monitoring during and after your treatment.
Cardiac Toxicity Symptoms
Symptoms of cardiac toxicity include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fluid retention in the legs
- Heart rhythm changes (arrhythmia)
- Shortness of breath
Risk Factors
If you have any of the following conditions, you may be at a higher risk for cardiac toxicity.
- Diabetes
- Existing heart problems
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
Treatment-Related Problems
If cancer treatment damages the heart, you may experience:
- Extreme fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Irregular heartbeat
- Thickening of the heart's lining (pericarditis)
Benefits of Seeing a Heart Doctor
Your oncologist may refer you to a Meritas Health cardiologist or cardio-oncologist for specialized care. A heart doctor can identify heart issues early, when treatment is most effective.
Rehab for Cardiac Toxicity
Our Outpatient Rehabilitation Department offers CORE, a cardio-oncology rehab program that can relieve cardiac toxicity symptoms so you can increase your level of physical activity safely.