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Chemotherapy's Side Effects on the Heart

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses one or more medications to kill cancer cells. Certain chemotherapy medications can damage healthy cells. This damage may lead to side effects that can affect the heart or other organs. Most side effects are temporary but there is a chance of permanent changes or damage to the heart. Any concerns should be discussed with a physician based on the particular chemotherapy medications that are administered.

  1. Cardiomyopathy

    • A possible side effect is weakness of the heart muscle, called cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy may not show up during treatment, but appear many years following chemotherapy. People with existing heart conditions may be given alternative chemotherapy medications.

    Cardiotoxicity

    • A side effect on the heart from chemotherapy is called cardiotoxicity. The term cardiotoxicity refers to general heart damage, and can cause early or late heart damage. Early damage can occur immediately, or within one to two days after the chemotherapy medication is given. Late damage typically begins about one year later, and can appear up to two or three years after chemotherapy. When cardiotoxicity is severe, it could cause congestive heart failure.

    Irregular Heartbeat

    • An irregular heartbeat may occur as a side effect of chemotherapy. This may be caused by chemotherapy medications, or the medications given to reduce other side effects of the chemotherapy. If this occurs, notify the physician as soon as possible, especially if it is accompanied by pain in the chest and shortness of breath. This could be a sign of a heart attack.

    Heart Disease

    • Certain chemotherapy medications may increase the risk of heart disease. Many of the medications given can be damaging to the heart causing temporary or permanent damage, even years after treatment is done. Talk to a physician about all possible side effects on the heart from chemotherapy to weigh the benefits and risks. The physician should be informed of any existing heart problems.

    Significant

    • The risk of chemotherapy's side effects on the heart is relative to the lifetime dose of the various medications. Heart problems are rare when chemotherapy medications are given in safe dosages. A physician will carefully monitor the amount the patient receives, and take into account any existing heart conditions of the patient. When chemotherapy is received along with radiation, the risk of heart problems may increase. Some of the more common side effects that can occur during chemotherapy include, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, fatigue and pain. The patient may receive other medications to ease these common side effects from chemotherapy.

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