Cancer Patients Should Not Neglect Their Heart

Two major life-threatening diseases of our time are cancer and heart diseases. These diseases affect each other.

Two major life-threatening diseases of our time are cancer and heart diseases. These diseases impact each other. Experts emphasize the importance of not overlooking the heart factor in cancer treatment, highlighting the significance of onco-cardiology. Associate Professor Dr. Ertan Ökmen, Cardiologist and Head of the Onco-cardiology Department at Anadolu Health Center, said, "The cooperation between cardiology and oncology is vital for the successful and, more importantly, safe treatment of cancer patients and ensuring long and high-quality lives."

Heart diseases and cancers are among the top two life-threatening diseases in the world and in Turkey. In both fields, the medical world is conducting intensive research, and every day brings new hope. Although cancer treatments now affect the patient's quality of life less than before, the drugs used during treatment can have negative effects on healthy organs. The heart, in particular, is one of the organs most affected by cancer drugs. The concept of onco-cardiology arises at this point.

Cancer Drugs Can Cause Heart Failure and Hypertension

In cancer treatment, other organs can also be affected by the process, and specialists from fields other than oncology are needed. Among the specialties that are often called upon for support, cardiology is at the forefront. This is because heart problems may arise as a result of chemotherapy drugs during the treatment process. Anadolu Health Center Cardiologist and Head of the Onco-cardiology Department, Associate Professor Dr. Ertan Ökmen, stated, "Not every cancer patient experiences treatment-related heart problems, but there are some triggering factors that can cause them. The most important risk factor is the type of chemotherapy drug used. The dose of the drug, the method of administration, and whether the patient has previously undergone radiotherapy are also factors related to the treatment. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause heart failure in one out of four patients, while others may cause hypertension in one out of two patients."

Those with Heart Disease Should Be More Cautious

The most common heart problems related to treatment during cancer therapy include heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, heart attacks, and inflammation of the heart lining. These diseases can appear during the treatment process as well as years later in the late phase. The most common issue faced by patients during treatment is shortness of breath. Shortness of breath, which is seen in the majority of cancer patients, may be caused by a heart issue. Particularly, if a patient starts experiencing shortness of breath during treatment despite not having had such a problem before, it is important to investigate whether it is heart-related. In addition to shortness of breath, if symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, breathlessness when walking or climbing stairs, waking up at night feeling suffocated, or a need to sleep with a high pillow are observed, heart failure may be suspected. If heart failure is present and severe, it may be necessary to stop cancer treatment and first address the heart condition.

The Heart Should Be Monitored After Treatment

Heart problems related to treatment may emerge many years after therapy. Associate Professor Dr. Ertan Ökmen points out that late-stage heart failure after treatment can be either symptomatic (showing signs) or asymptomatic (not showing signs), adding, "Unfortunately, in most patients, heart failure does not show symptoms in the early stage, and symptoms only appear when it reaches an advanced stage. This leads to delays in treatment. Therefore, patients should undergo regular check-ups before any symptoms develop. Just like early cancer diagnosis, if heart problems are detected on time, treatment becomes much easier, and cancer treatment can proceed without interruption. Not all patients who receive chemotherapy will have heart problems. Negative effects on the heart can appear during treatment, but according to follow-up data from childhood cancer patients treated with chemotherapy, heart failure linked to these drugs can appear many years later, even at a younger age than expected, resulting in coronary artery disease."