Managing the Heart Risks of Cancer Treatment

As a cardiologist specializing in cardio-oncology, I work with patients who are undergoing or have completed cancer treatment and are at risk for heart complications. Many people don’t realize that cancer treatments can have lasting effects on the heart and blood vessels, sometimes appearing years after treatment ends. 

At Elliot Heart and Vascular Center, we recognize the need for a dedicated program to support these patients, and that’s why we created a cardio-oncology program to provide expert care at the right time, in the right place. 

What is Cardio-oncology and Why is it Important? 

Cancer treatment has come a long way, saving lives and improving outcomes. But many therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, can impact cardiovascular health, leading to: 

• Heart failure 
• Coronary artery disease 
• Peripheral vascular disease 
• Valvular complications 

One group at particular risk includes childhood cancer survivors, who may not realize they are more likely to develop heart disease even 10 to 15 years after treatment. My goal as a cardio-oncologist is to help patients prevent, monitor, and manage these risks before they turn into serious problems. 

Bringing Care Directly to Patients 

One of the biggest challenges a cancer patient faces is navigating multiple medical appointments while undergoing treatment. At The Elliot, we have made it easier to schedule cardio-oncology appointments, sometimes accommodating same-day testing if necessary. This means patients don’t need to wait to schedule visits because we work collaboratively with their oncology team to expedite and streamline their care. 

What Our Cardio-oncology Program Offers 

Our program is designed to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care, including: 

• Early risk assessment to identify heart concerns before they become serious 
•  Advanced imaging such as cardiac MRI and coronary CT scans 
•  Personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs 
•  Ongoing monitoring to catch and address cardiovascular issues early 

Prevention: The key to Long-term Health 

While many patients focus on heart health during cancer treatment, prevention should start as early as possible before treatment and continue long after treatment ends. Even cancer survivors who feel completely healthy should consider their cardiovascular risks and take steps to stay heart-healthy. 

Here’s what I recommend: 

• Exercise regularly and maintain a heart-healthy diet 
• Manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol 
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use 
• Discuss any heart-related concerns with your oncologist or primary care provider 

A Collaborative Approach for Better Outcomes 

The best patient care happens when specialists work together. Our cardio-oncology program at The Elliot is built on collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists, ensuring that every patient receives the most effective treatment without compromising heart health. 

If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, I encourage you to talk with your doctor about cardiovascular risk assessment. Elliot Heart & Vascular Center is dedicated to caring for our community, and we are here to help. 

For more information about cardio-oncology and your heart health during and after cancer treatment, listen to my podcast episode on Your Wellness Solution. 

Besiana Liti, D.O. is a board-certified non-invasive cardiologist who specializes in cardio-oncology at Elliot Heart and Vascular Center in Manchester, NH.