Cardio-oncology
What is it?
Treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy or immune-therapies, can adversely affect the heart health.
Prevention and treatment of cardiac complications is important for the overall care of our patients.
Cardiac health is also important to consider in a patient's suitability for certain cancer treatments.
What are the symptoms?
Patients who have received cancer treatments can develop a range of cardiac complications, including heart failure, myocarditis and coronary artery disease.
Patients can develop symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pains, palpitations and sometimes dizziness or blackouts.
How is it diagnosed?
Patients with suspected cardiac complications related to cancer treatments require assessment by a specialist, often requiring further investigations.
Cardiac imaging plays a major role in the diagnosis of conditions such as heart failure, myocarditis and coronary artery disease.
How is it treated?
Clinical management of cardio-oncological conditions requires the collaborative approach from cardiologists and oncologists, often via a multi-disciplinary team meeting.
Patients require various treatment considerations for each complication such as heart failure, cardiac inflammation and coronary disease.
Who should see a specialist?
Any patient with a suspected heart condition or cardiac sounding symptoms, who has:
1. Previously received cancer treatments
2. Is currently receiving cancer treatments
3. Is planned to receive cancer treatments in the future
Should be referred by their oncologist or doctor for an assessment.
