Heart Disease and Cancer

When diagnosed with cancer, your #1 priority becomes fighting the disease.  Recent studies have shown, however, that it is important to stay on top of your heart health as well, as some of these same life-saving treatments may actually have cardio toxic effects.

According to American Society of Clinical Oncology, certain types of radiation and chemotherapy may lead to a higher likelihood of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack or inflammation in or around the heart muscle.  Sometimes cardio toxicity occurs while undergoing treatment; other times it appears long after treatment has ended. 

Thanks to a partnership with Presbyterian Cardiovascular Institute and Mid Carolina Cardiology, Presbyterian Cancer Center now offers a Cardio Oncology Program designed to identify the risk of heart disease for those who are currently undergoing or thave already completed treatment for cancer and then take a customized approach to lessening the impact of heart disease on each patient.

The goals of the Presbyterian Cardio-Oncology Program are to:

• Care for patients who have been diagnosed with heart disease in the past and are currently receiving treatment for cancer
• Care for patients who are having heart-related side effects as a result of cancer treatment
• Ensure the best possible heart health for current cancer patients and cancer survivors
• Customize cancer treatment plans in order to reduce the risk of heart-related side effects
• Conduct research that leads to the development of new cancer treatments that are more effective and less harmful to the hear

What to do?

If you are newly diagnosed or currently undergoing treatment for cancer, talk to your doctor about your personal risk for heart disease and how your cancer treatment may impact it.  You may be referred to a cardiologist, who will then work together with your oncologist to make sure you receive the most effective course of cancer treatment while minimizing the impact on your heart.

If you have finished your treatment for cancer, it's recommended you talk to your doctor or schedule a free heart screening by calling 704-384-CARE (2273).  Based on your results, you may be referred to a cardiologist, prevention specialist and/or heart healthy programs and classes in order to treat existing heart disease or prevent the future development of heart disease.

At Presbyterian Cancer Center, we're not only committed to helping you beat your cancer; we're committed to making sure you live a healthy life as well.

Learn more about heart and vascular services available through Presbyterian Healthcare.