Impaired heart function (left ventricular systolic dysfunction / heart failure)
Certain drugs used to treat cancer can affect the pumping function of the heart. This can be treated with medication and is often reversible.
Understanding treatment-related heart effects
Cardiotoxicity
Cancer treatment can occasionally affect the heart. Early detection and treatment can minimise heart damage and help cancer therapies continue safely.
Common cardiotoxicity presentations
Some of the more common heart-related problems that can occur during or after cancer treatment include:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Many cancer therapies can cause hypertension. It's important this is treated at an early stage to reduce the risk of further heart problems.
Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
Some cancer therapies can cause abnormal fast or slow heart rhythms. These can be treated with medication or in some circumstances a pacemaker.
Vascular issues (coronary artery spasm, ischaemic heart disease)
Certain chemotherapy agents can cause problems with the blood vessels that supply the heart. This can be treated with medication but requires a comprehensive assessment to reduce the risk of further damage.
Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)
This is an uncommon complication of immunotherapies. It can be treated with medication.
When should you seek advice?
If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer and would like to understand the best way to keep your heart healthy during treatment, please read new cancer diagnosis and get in touch.
If you are undergoing cancer therapy and develop new symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness or swelling, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. Early assessment can help minimise heart damage and reduce unnecessary interruptions to cancer therapy.
If you have severe symptoms or feel acutely unwell, seek urgent medical care (e.g. NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency).
Information on this website is for general guidance only and does not replace medical advice from your own clinician.