Cardio-oncology is a specialised field of cardiovascular medicine focused on protecting and managing heart health in people undergoing cancer treatment. Certain cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and radiation therapy, can affect the heart and blood vessels. Cardio-oncology brings together cardiology and oncology to identify cardiovascular risks early, monitor heart function during treatment, and manage complications without unnecessarily interrupting essential cancer therapy. The goal is to help patients receive effective cancer treatment while maintaining cardiovascular health and supporting a better long-term quality of life.
Cardiovascular complications in cancer patients can develop as a result of the cancer itself, cancer-related conditions, or the effects of cancer treatment. Some chemotherapy medicines can weaken the heart muscle, while certain targeted therapies and immunotherapies may affect heart function, blood pressure or the cardiovascular system in other ways. Radiation therapy involving the chest can also increase the long-term risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease or previous heart problems may further increase the risk. The likelihood of complications depends on the type and dose of treatment, treatment duration, individual health and underlying cardiovascular risk factors.
Some cardiovascular effects of cancer treatment may develop gradually and may not initially cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, patients may experience persistent tiredness, shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, swelling of the legs or ankles, rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest discomfort, dizziness or fainting. High blood pressure may also occur without obvious warning signs. Because symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness can also be associated with cancer itself or its treatment, any new, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an appropriate medical professional rather than being assumed to be a normal part of cancer therapy.
Cardio-oncology assessment begins with a detailed review of the patient’s cancer diagnosis, planned or previous cancer treatments, medical history and cardiovascular risk factors. Depending on the individual’s needs, evaluation may include blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography to assess heart structure and function, and blood tests that may help identify cardiac stress or injury. In selected cases, additional investigations such as cardiac MRI, CT-based imaging, stress testing or coronary evaluation may be recommended. Baseline assessment before certain cancer treatments and regular monitoring during therapy can help identify changes in heart function at an earlier stage.
Cardio-oncology treatment is personalised according to the patient’s cardiovascular condition, cancer treatment plan and overall health. Management may include medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure when required. Cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, smoking and high cholesterol should also be addressed through appropriate lifestyle and medical strategies. When treatment-related heart problems develop, the cardiology and oncology teams may work together to adjust the cancer treatment plan while considering the benefits of continuing cancer therapy. In selected patients, preventive cardiovascular medications and closer cardiac monitoring may be recommended before or during potentially cardiotoxic cancer treatment.
Ongoing cardiovascular follow-up remains important even after completion of cancer treatment because some treatment-related heart effects may appear months or years later. Patients should continue recommended cardiac evaluations and take prescribed medications consistently. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, following a balanced diet, remaining physically active according to medical advice and avoiding tobacco can support long-term cardiovascular health. Follow-up care should be coordinated with the oncology team so that any changes in cardiac health can be recognised and addressed promptly while considering the patient’s overall cancer recovery.
Cancer treatment-related cardiovascular complications can range from mild and temporary changes to more significant conditions. Depending on the treatment and individual risk factors, complications may include heart muscle weakness, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, blood clots or inflammation involving the heart. Radiation involving the chest can also contribute to cardiovascular disease over the longer term. Early identification and appropriate management can help reduce the likelihood of serious complications and may allow essential cancer treatment to continue safely. The individual risk varies considerably, which is why personalised cardiovascular assessment is an important part of comprehensive cancer care.
Patients undergoing cancer treatment should discuss any new or worsening cardiovascular symptoms with their healthcare team, particularly persistent breathlessness, swelling, unusual fatigue, palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness or a noticeable reduction in exercise tolerance. A cardio-oncology consultation may also be beneficial for patients with existing heart disease or significant cardiovascular risk factors before starting treatments that may affect the heart. Sudden or severe chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting or symptoms suggestive of a stroke require immediate emergency medical attention. Early cardiovascular assessment and coordinated care can help protect heart health throughout cancer treatment and survivorship.
Explore More: Adult Congenital Heart Disease Management
Providing advanced, compassionate and evidence-based cardiac care with a focus on interventional cardiology, structural heart procedures and comprehensive heart health.
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (By Appointment Only)
