• info@ihf.org.il

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Cardio-Oncology

The Heart at the Center: Your Guide to Cardio-Oncology

Thanks to medical advancements, cancer survival rates are higher today than ever before. However, life-saving treatments can sometimes affect the heart and blood vessels. This is where Cardio-Oncology comes in- a field dedicated to keeping your heart strong throughout your journey: before, during, and years after cancer treatment.

Why Does the Heart Need Protection?

Certain treatments (such as chemotherapy, chest radiation, or biological therapies) can cause "cardiotoxicity." Our goal is not to stop your cancer treatment, but to manage it intelligently in a way that protects your heart.

Who Is at Risk?

  • Patients with a cardiac history: High blood pressure, diabetes, or pre-existing heart disease.
  • Those receiving specific medications: Drugs known to affect the heart muscle or heart rhythm.
  • Patients undergoing chest radiation.
  • Elderly cancer patients.

 

How Can Treatments Affect the Heart? (Common Examples)

Understanding potential effects allows us to monitor them in real-time:

  • Heart muscle weakness: Certain drugs (such as Adriamycin or Herceptin) can weaken the heart's pumping ability. In most cases, early detection allows for effective treatment.
  • Changes in blood supply: Some medications can cause blood vessel constriction or accelerate blockages (atherosclerosis).
  • Heart rhythm disorders: Some treatments affect the heart's electrical activity, potentially causing various types of arrhythmias.
  • Inflammatory response: Advanced treatments (like immunotherapy) can trigger the immune system to mistakenly attack the heart muscle. This is rare but requires rapid diagnosis.
  • Metabolic changes: Various treatments, such as hormonal therapies, may affect blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Content Author

Dr. Inbar Nardi Agmon

Dr. Inbar Nardi Agmon is a senior cardiologist at Sheba Medical Center and leads the cardio-oncology service at the hospital.

Your protection plan: three stages

Cardio-oncological care is personalized for each patient and involves full collaboration between your oncologist and cardiologist:

  1. Initial assessment (before treatment): A baseline evaluation of risk factors for cardiotoxicity. We check if existing heart conditions are well-controlled and if cardiac medications need adjustment. Depending on your background and chosen cancer therapy, additional tests may include an ECG, Echocardiogram, or specific blood tests.
  2. Monitoring (during treatment): Close follow-up to detect early signs of cardiotoxicity—often before you feel any symptoms. The frequency of monitoring is based on your "risk profile." If heart damage occurs, the plan is adjusted in real-time; protective heart medications may be added, or oncology dosages may be tailored in coordination with your care team.
  3. Long-term follow-up: Ensuring the heart remains healthy years after cancer treatment ends to prevent late-onset effects.

5 Tips for Protecting Your Heart

Beyond medical supervision, you have a lot of power in your own hands:

  1. Manage your risk factors: Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar balanced. This is your first line of defense.
  2. Keep moving: Physical activity (within your ability) helps the heart cope with treatments and improves recovery.
  3. Quit smoking: This is the most significant step you can take to reduce the load on your heart and blood vessels.
  4. Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your oncologist: "Does my treatment affect my heart? Should I meet with a cardiologist?"
  5. Listen to your body: Pay attention to signs like unusual shortness of breath, palpitations, leg swelling, or chest pain. If something feels different from the usual fatigue of treatment, seek a consultation.

 

Essential Information on a Variety of Topics

Heart Failure

A condition in which the heart has difficult pumping blood efficiently. With proper medical follow-up and treatment, heart function can be improved and patients can continue maintaining an active daily routine.

Learn More

Heart Valve Disease

Diseases that affect the heart valves, which are responsible for maintaining normal blood flow within the heart. In many cases, these conditions can be successfully diagnosed and treated with the help of advanced medical care.

Learn More

Sports Cardiology

Physical activity is important for heart health at every age. This field helps tailor safe and appropriate exercise for each individual — from athletes to beginners.

Learn More

Cardiac Rehabilitation

A medically supervised program that helps patients gradually and safely return to their daily routine after a cardiac event. It combines physical activity, guidance, and professional support.

Learn More