You may think that you have healed after your treatment ends. But your heart can still face reactions from the rough treatment procedures like chemotherapy, radiation, and cancer medications. Your treatment eliminates cancer, but it can also put strain on your heart and cause complications.
Treatments responsible for cardiac damage
The cancer treatments you go through to control your cancer can also bring serious damage to your cardiac health. Chemo drugs, such as anthracyclines, can affect the functioning of your cardiac muscles. Similarly, chest radiation and other targeted therapies can interfere with your heart’s tissues and also its signaling. Because you are already in a vulnerable state during the treatment, doctors monitor your heart closely to take timely action in case of an emergency.
Types of late heart effects
Heart changes vary from person to person, and they might take years to develop after our treatment. The following are some common late heart issues:
Heart failure happens when our heart gets weaker and doesn’t pump blood efficiently.
The irregular rhythm of our heart can cause arrhythmias, which can lead to dizziness or fatigue.
Coronary heart disease narrows our heart’s blood vessels, which leads to a heart attack.
Continuous high blood pressure can also place strain on our hearts over time.
What are the risk factors?
It is not necessary to face heart complications whoever goes through cancer treatment. But there are risk factors that can increase the chances of having a cardiac risk. Higher doses of chemotherapy can cause extra strain on our hearts after treatment. Also, the children who have survived can face heart risks as their bodies are exposed to the treatments in early life. If you already have any heart or cardiovascular issues, then you need close monitoring as your heart is more vulnerable to the treatment.
Symptoms you should look for
Heart issues after cancer develop slowly, and paying attention becomes even more important.
Shortness of breath during any activity or while resting.
A continuous chest discomfort or pain that is unusual.
Swelling that starts in your legs or ankles.
A fatigue that doesn’t go away after you sleep.
How does monitoring help?
You need to stay active and alert to protect your heart after cancer. Regular screenings can help in detecting early changes so you can take timely action. Your lifestyle choices, along with what you eat, also affect heart health. Gentle physical activities and consulting a cardiologist when needed can help you stay fit and gain clarity about heart health.
Caring for your heart after cancer
Managing heart health after cancer is difficult when you have just come out of a rough treatment. But staying aware and seeking help at the right time will help you gain control and clarity, so you can return to your normal life.