Cardio-Oncology

What is Cardio-Oncology?

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your heart may be the last thing you are thinking about. However, for many patients, cancer treatment can increase their risk of heart disease, or make existing heart problems worse. A cardio-oncologist specializes in caring for the hearts of cancer patients – helping patients manage current heart issues during and after treatment and reducing the risk of future problems.

Caring for cancer patients at risk of heart disease

While more people than ever are beating cancer, heart disease is the second leading cause of death among cancer survivors. That’s why St. Elizabeth has established a cardio-oncology clinic, focusing on the treatment of heart problems that can develop or increase during cancer treatment. Our cardio-oncologist works closely with oncologists at the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center to identify cancer patients at higher risk of heart disease and to personalize their care plans accordingly.

If you are a cancer patient and have concerns about how your treatment may impact your heart health, talk with your oncologist about a consult with a cardio-oncologist.

For Kelly Garrett, a diagnosis of breast cancer was frightening enough. Just when she thought she was beating it, she learned that she was experiencing heart failure as a result of her treatment. Then a heart specialist helped her beat that, too.