Chemotherapy side effects A cause of heart disease - Mayo Clinic
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Answer From Joerg Herrmann, M.D. Yes, some conventional chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer can increase your risk of heart problems. Heart problems can also happen with newer targeted therapy drugs and with radiation therapy. Examples of heart-related problems that can happen with cancer treatments include: Weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia) Heart attack Stroke High blood pressure Blood clots Whether you're at risk for heart problems during and after cancer treatment depends on how healthy your heart is and the specific drugs you'll be receiving. Some drugs may carry a higher risk of heart problems in people who already have heart problems. Sometimes the risk is higher if you take a higher dose of the drug. If your doctor is considering a cancer treatment that may affect your heart, you may undergo heart function testing before starting treatment. If you have a preexisting heart condition, such as cardiomyopathy, your doctor might suggest a different type of chemotherapy. You may need periodic heart monitoring during treatment, depending on the type of chemotherapy you receive. Monitoring might continue after treatment, too. Cancer doctors (oncologists) and heart doctors (cardiologists) sometimes work together to provide care for people who have a risk of heart problems during and after cancer treatment. This area of medicine is sometimes referred to as cardio-oncology. With Joerg Herrmann, M.D. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
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Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?Magic mouthwash ShareTweet Oct. 11, 2022 Show references Babiker HM, et al. Cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy: A review of both cytotoxic and molecular targeted oncology therapies and their effect on the cardiovascular system. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology. 2018;126:186. Armenian SH, et al. Prevention and monitoring of cardiac dysfunction in survivors of adult cancers: American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2017;35;893. Herrmann J, et al. Evaluation and management of patients with heart disease and cancer: Cardio-oncology. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2014;89:1287. Herrmann J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 29, 2018. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
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