Cancer therapies have increased the survival of cancer patients, however certain cancer treatments can damage the heart and the cardiovascular system. These side effects, including high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart failure, can be caused or exacerbated by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as by newer forms of cancer treatment, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Cardiotoxicity can occur in various forms and can include damage to the heart muscle itself, the heart arteries, or the heart valves.

Cardiological assessment before starting cancer treatment is essential and should be continued throughout, since cardiac dysfunction can occur at any time, even several years after therapy onset. High-risk individuals, in particular, should receive a detailed management plan designed in collaboration between an oncologist and a cardiology specialist. 

Join us as we talk to Dr. Javid Moslehi from  UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center on  nuances of what cardio-oncology care and management of patients whose cardiovascular health has been affected by cancer entails. Joining us on the panel to bring in the patient perspective are Heidi Floyd and Dr. John Antonucci.