American Heart Month: Heart Health During and After Cancer Treatment
Did you know that your heart needs just as much attention as the rest of your body during cancer treatment? While you're focused on treating cancer, understanding how treatment affects your heart helps you stay informed and protected throughout your journey.
Some chemotherapy drugs, including doxorubicin and epirubicin, can impact heart function. Targeted therapies like trastuzumab and pertuzumab, commonly used for HER2-positive breast cancer, can also affect how your heart works. Additionally, radiation therapy to the chest area may impact your heart, particularly if the radiation field includes or is near it. Before starting treatment at The Brooklyn Cancer Center, we'll assess your heart health with baseline cardiac testing, such as an echocardiogram or MUGA scan. Throughout treatment, we monitor these levels closely to catch any changes early.
Understanding the warning signs of cardiac stress can help you respond quickly if issues arise. While fatigue is common during cancer treatment, cardiac-related symptoms feel different. Watch for a persistent, rapid, or irregular heartbeat. Notice if you have shortness of breath that worsens when lying flat. Pay attention to sudden swelling in your legs or ankles, or chest pressure that doesn't resolve with rest. These symptoms differ from typical treatment fatigue, which usually improves with rest and doesn't include physical symptoms such as swelling or breathing changes. If you experience any of these signs, contact your care team immediately rather than waiting for your next appointment.
Protecting your heart during treatment requires realistic strategies that acknowledge how you're actually feeling. On days when you have energy, even a short walk around your home or neighborhood helps maintain circulation. When nausea or extreme fatigue make that impossible, simple ankle rotations and arm movements while sitting can still benefit your cardiovascular system. Regarding diet, focus on what you can tolerate. If cooking feels overwhelming, heart-healthy options like canned low-sodium soups, pre-washed salad greens, or frozen vegetables require minimal preparation. Greek yogurt, bananas, and oatmeal are gentle on sensitive stomachs while providing nutrients your heart needs. Stay hydrated when possible, as dehydration can strain your cardiovascular system. Your care team can also refer you to an oncology nutritionist to help you navigate eating well during treatment.
Heart health monitoring doesn't end when your cancer treatment does. Long-term cardiac effects can develop months or even years after treatment ends, which is why ongoing surveillance is important. Most oncologists recommend follow-up echocardiograms at regular intervals, typically at six months, one year, and then annually for several years post-treatment, though the exact schedule depends on which treatments you received. Some cancer centers now have cardio-oncology specialists who focus specifically on the intersection of cancer treatment and heart health. If your treatment included cardiotoxic medications or chest radiation, ask your oncologist about a referral to one of these specialists. They can provide additional monitoring and intervene early if your heart shows signs of stress.
Being proactive about your cardiac health means asking the right questions. Before starting treatment, ask your oncologist which specific drugs in your regimen might affect your heart and what baseline testing you'll need. Find out how often your heart function will be monitored during treatment and what the follow-up plan looks like after treatment ends. Ask which symptoms should prompt an immediate call to the office and which can wait until your next appointment. If you have pre-existing heart conditions or a family history of cardiovascular disease, make sure your oncologist knows this information, as it may influence treatment decisions or monitoring frequency.
Your emotional well-being connects directly to your physical heart health. Stress and anxiety trigger hormone releases that affect heart rate and blood pressure. Deep breathing exercises, even for just five minutes a day, can help regulate your nervous system. Some patients find that guided meditation apps or gentle stretching provide relief. Others benefit from talking with a therapist who understands the unique challenges of cancer treatment. These aren't luxuries but practical tools that support your cardiovascular system during a demanding time.
Your heart health matters throughout your cancer journey and long after treatment ends. If you have questions about how your treatment might affect your cardiovascular system, or want to discuss cardiac monitoring during and after your care, schedule an appointment or speak with our team.