Cardio-oncology refers to the management of cardiac conditions in patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immuno therapy.
As treatment options become available, survival from cancer improves, and the general population ages, makes this an increasingly important field.
Most information is focused on the effects of cancer therapy on the working myocardium, that leads to changes in ejection fraction, and on the cell layers comprising the coronary arteries, that would result in premature ischemic heart disease.
Radiation to the mediastinum carries a dose dependent risk of early degenerative valve disease, coronary artery disease, pericardial disease, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
Electrical conduction disorders of the heart are estimated to occur in 4-5% of those who receive radiation therapy.
Radiation affects a thought to be secondary to inflammatory process induced by radiation and the effects of radiation induced ischemia with subsequent fibrosis.
Cardio-Oncologist
A cardio-oncologist is a specialist who helps people with cancer prevent or manage heart disease.
Cardio-oncologists diagnose and treat a range of heart issues caused by cancer treatment cardiotoxicities.
They also manage heart disease from other causes like aging.
They provide care before, during and after cancer treatment.
Cardio-oncologists are cardiologists or oncologists who provide care to people diagnosed with cancer.
Cardio-oncology focuses on identifying, monitoring and treating cardiovascular diseases caused by cancer therapies.
The goal is to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment on the cardiovascular system.
Cardio-oncologists are medical doctors who are specialists in their fields (cardiology or oncology). Beyond their specialist training, they receive additional training to learn:
As the number of cancer survivors increases, so does the number of people who experience side effects from treatment.
About 7 in 10 people who survive cancer are at least 65 years old.
As cancer survivors get older, they may face heart risks from their cancer treatment, plus increased risks from aging, lifestyle factors and associated medical conditions.
Cardio-oncologists help manage many different heart problems, including:
Arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation and Torsade de Pointes. Coronary artery disease. Heart failure. Heart valve disease. High blood pressure (hypertension). Restrictive cardiomyopathy.