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Question: How does cancer treatment affect my heart?
Answer:The heart and circulatory system can sometimes be affected by specific cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerBy working closely with oncologists and cardiologists, patients can get the best care possible for their cancer and their heart health. Cardio-oncology helps monitor, manage and minimize heart-related side effects, so you can focus on your cancer recovery with confidence.
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Question: Should I be seeing a cardiologist while undergoing cancer treatment?
Answer:If you're receiving treatments that could affect your heart, it’s a good idea to work with a cardiologist during your cancer treatment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThey can help monitor your heart function, manage any emerging issues and ensure that your cancer treatments don’t negatively affect your heart health. A cardiologist will also be there to provide guidance and support throughout your cancer journey.
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Question: What heart conditions should I be aware of during cancer treatment?
Answer:There are several heart conditions to be aware of during cancer treatment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThese conditions include:
- Heart failure: The heart muscle may weaken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
- Arrhythmias: Cancer treatments can cause irregular heart rhythms, leading to palpitations or dizziness.
- Coronary artery disease: Radiation therapy, particularly around the chest area, can increase the risk of narrowing blood vessels, potentially leading to chest pain or heart attacks.
- Pericardial disease: Inflammation of the lining around the heart can sometimes occur, especially after radiation therapy.
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Question: What tests will be done to monitor my heart during cancer treatment?
Answer:Your doctor may recommend several tests to monitor your heart health during cancer treatment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThese tests could include:
- Echocardiograms (echo): An ultrasound of your heart to assess its function and structure.
- Electrocardiograms (ECG): To check for abnormal heart rhythms.
- Blood tests: To measure heart-related biomarkers and detect early signs of damage.
- MUGA scans: A type of nuclear scan to measure how well your heart is pumping blood.
- Cardiac MRI: In some cases, this may be used for a more detailed view of the heart.
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Question: What types of cancer will benefit from cardio-oncology services?
Answer:Cardio-oncology services are incredibly beneficial for cancer survivors and patients undergoing treatments for cancers that may impact heart health.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerSome cancers that can benefit from cardio-oncology treatments are:
- Breast cancer: Certain chemotherapy drugs (like anthracyclines) and radiation therapy can increase the risk of heart problems, especially if they are used near the chest area.
- Lung cancer: Treatments such as radiation or targeted therapies may affect the heart, particularly when radiation is directed at the chest.
- Leukemia and lymphoma: Chemotherapy drugs used to treat these cancers can sometimes lead to heart complications, such as arrhythmias or heart muscle damage.
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Radiation therapy used to treat this cancer, especially when directed at the chest or surrounding areas, can increase the risk of heart issues.
- Prostate cancer: Certain hormone therapies and radiation treatment can sometimes have cardiovascular side effects.
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Question: How common is gastrointestinal (GI) cancer?
Answer:Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common and impactful types of cancers worldwide. Together, they account for a substantial portion of all cancer cases. Their frequency brings awareness to the importance of early detection, and preventive measures like cancer screenings, which can improve outcomes.
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Question: What causes GI cancer?
Answer:Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers can develop due to a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Family history and inherited conditions raise the risk, while lifestyle habits — like diets high in red meat, smoking, heavy drinking, and obesity — are also major contributors.
Infections, such as helicobacter pylori for stomach cancer or hepatitis for liver cancer, increase risk, as do chronic inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s. Age, certain environmental exposures, and prior cancer treatments can also play a role. While not all causes are avoidable, healthy habits and regular screenings can go a long way in lowering the risk.
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Question: Are there differences in heart failure for women versus men?
Answer:There are key differences in heart failure between women and men, including type, symptoms and risk factors.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerType
Women are more likely to have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), while men are more likely to have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Symptoms
Women often experience more fatigue, nausea and sleep problems, while men tend to have more visible swelling and chest pain.
Risk Factors
Women’s heart failure is often linked to high blood pressure, diabetes and menopause, while men are more likely to have risk factors like coronary artery disease or heart attacks.
Diagnosis
Women may be diagnosed later, as their symptoms can be subtler or mistaken for other conditions.
Prognosis
Women generally live longer with heart failure, but they may experience worse quality of life due to more severe symptoms.
While both genders face similar challenges with heart failure, the presentation, risk factors and impacts can differ.
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Question: Can heart failure be reversed?
Answer:Heart failure usually cannot be fully reversed, but it can be managed. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the heart’s function. Managing underlying causes like high blood pressure or heart disease, taking medications and making lifestyle changes can improve quality of life and slow the disease’s progression.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIn some cases, surgeries or devices like heart valve repair or ventricular assist devices (VADs) may help. While it may not be curable, early treatment can significantly improve heart function and manage symptoms.
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Question: Can you prevent heart failure?
Answer:Preventing heart failure involves addressing the risk factors that can damage the heart and lead to its weakening.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerSome key steps to reduce the risk include the following:
- Manage blood pressure: Keep it below 130/80 mmHg
- Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and limit salt and sugar
- Exercise regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both damage the heart and blood vessels
- Control cholesterol and blood sugar: Maintain healthy levels to reduce heart damage
- Prevents extra strain on the heart by maintaining a healthy weight
- Manage stress: Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation or exercise
- Treat heart conditions early: Manage existing heart diseases to prevent heart failure
- Get regular check-ups: Monitor heart health and catch issues early