Introduction:
The advancement in cancer treatment increases the survival rate and effective patient outcomes. However, cardiovascular complications from cancer therapy are increasing along with the progress of cancer treatment. The emerging field of cardio-oncology addresses the connection between cardiovascular health and cancer treatment. Managing and preventing cardiovascular risk in cancer patients aims to increase effective patient outcomes.
Cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, adversely affects the cardiovascular system. These treatments can lead to various heart diseases, including hypertension and heart failure. Cardio-oncology includes detecting heart issues, close monitoring of heart health, and cancer treatment modifications. With ongoing research, cardio-oncology provides personalized care to people. The article discusses cardio-oncology, its importance, goals, and strategies for implementation.
What Is Cardio-Oncology?
Cardio-oncology is a medical field that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in cancer patients. It also finds the adverse effects of cancer treatment on the heart system. The cancer treatment kills the cancer cells but also affects the heart system. The cardio-oncology department includes cardiologists, oncologists, and others who work together to manage heart side effects of cancer treatment. This multidisciplinary approach works together to balance cancer therapy and heart health preservation.
Why Is Cardio-Oncology Important?
Cardio-oncology is essential to improve cancer therapy and cardiovascular health. The reason behind the importance of cardio-oncology is as follows:
-
Multidisciplinary Approach: The approach includes the collaboration of cardiologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals. These provide patient care and personalized treatment plan as per patient needs.
-
Improved Cancer Treatment: The survival rate of cancer is improved with the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. But these treatment has adverse effects on the heart. Integrating the cardio-oncology department in cancer treatment helps minimize the risk of cardiac complications.
-
Identification of High-Risk Patients: The cardio-oncology department first evaluates the patient's heart health before the start of cancer treatment. Identifying high-risk patients will help take preventive measures and treatment options to reduce the risk of heart health hazards.
-
Early Diagnosis of Cardiac Issues: The monitoring of heart function during cancer treatment will help in the diagnosis of cardiac issues. The healthcare provider will take preventive measures and treatment strategies to optimize treatment outcomes.
-
Future Research: Cardio-oncology research will help identify new treatment technologies to reduce cardiac complications during cancer therapy. This will provide benefits to the patient in cardiac care.
What Are the Common Cardiovascular Complications Associated With Cancer Treatment?
The common cardiovascular complications associated with cancer treatment are as follows:
-
Arrhythmias: Certain drugs used in cancer treatment may cause abnormal heartbeat.
-
Cardiomyopathy: Some drugs, such as Anthracyclines, may damage the heart muscle, which can further cause heart failure. The symptoms include breathlessness and leg swelling.
-
Pericardial Disease: Certain cancer drugs affect the pumping ability of the heart.
-
Hypertension: Some medicines used in cancer treatment can strain the heart and lead to an elevation of blood pressure.
-
Myocarditis: Some cancer drugs may affect the heart's pumping system and cause heart failure.
-
Valvular Heart Disease: Some cancer treatment drugs can cause leakage and narrowing of the heart valves, further affecting the heart's blood flow.
-
Thromboembolism: Some cancer medicines can cause the formation of the blood clot. This can block the blood flow and cause heart failure.
-
Ischaemic Heart Disease: Some cancer medicines decrease blood flow to the heart and elevate the chances of a heart attack.
Who Are the Healthcare Professionals Involved in Cardio-Oncology?
The multidisciplinary approach involves many healthcare professionals in the cardio-oncology department. The team of healthcare professionals in cardio-oncology departments are as follows:
-
Cardio-Oncologists: The medical specialist who is a specialist in cardiology and oncology. These doctors manage and prevent heart issues related to cancer treatment.
-
Oncologists: The medical doctors who are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. These medical specialists work with the cardio-oncologist team in the cancer treatment plan and prevention of cardiovascular harm.
-
Cardiologists: The medical specialist who specializes in detecting and managing heart-related conditions. It also helps in the prevention of heart risk during cancer therapy.
-
Radiologists: These specialists use several imaging techniques and assess heart function. During cancer treatment, radiologists detect structural heart changes.
-
Hematologists: During cancer treatment, specific targeted therapy affects the blood cells, directly affecting the heart system.
-
Radiation Oncologists: The medical doctors who serve radiation therapy during cancer treatment. These doctors assess the cardiovascular complications during radiation therapy.
-
Nurses: The nurse staff provides patient care and monitoring and educates patients on managing cardiovascular health during cancer treatment.
-
Pharmacists: The pharmacy staff reviews the medications which impact heart health during cancer treatment.
-
Rehabilitation: It includes specialists such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists who help recover the patient after heart complications or cancer treatment.
What Are the Strategies Used in Cardio-Oncology to Minimize Cardiovascular Risks?
The strategies used to protect the heart during cancer treatment are as follows:
-
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: The heart risk assessment involves medical history review, physical examination, and heart imaging techniques to find any heart conditions.
-
Cancer Treatment Selection: The cancer treatment plan that lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases should be selected.
-
Heart Monitoring: The heart should be monitored during cancer treatment using cardiac magnetic resonance testing (MRI).
-
Medications: The drugs such as beta blockers can be prescribed to maintain heart function and prevent damage.
-
Lifestyle Changes: The patient should be encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, and stress management.
-
Cardiac Rehabilitation: The rehabilitation programs will help patients with cardiovascular complications regain their functional capacity.
-
Patient Education: The patient should be educated about heart risks during cancer treatment. They should also be educated about adopting recommended strategies for heart protection.
-
Collaborative Care: The multidisciplinary approach includes cardiologists, oncologists, the pharmacological department, and associated nurses to promote collaborative care and ensure the best patient outcome.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, cardio-oncology is a medical field comprising cardiology and oncology specialists. The cardio-oncology department aims to provide effective cancer therapy outcomes and protect the heart health of cancer patients. The advancement in cancer therapy reduces the risk of heart health and the survival rate among cancer patients. Cardio-oncology comprises cardiologists, oncologists, radiologists, pharmacists, and nurses who provide comprehensive care to cancer patients. The primary mission is to protect the heart and improve the patient's health during cancer treatment.
