Cardio-Oncology

Experts in Heart Disease & Cancer Care

Recent research has found a connection between cancer and cardiovascular health, leading to the creation of cardio-oncology. This new, highly specialized field of study focuses on the link between cancer treatment and heart disease and how to optimize patients’ health. Cardio-oncologists are cardiologists with training in heart disease who have additional knowledge of how cancer therapies affect the heart.

Our cardio-oncologists help people receive the most appropriate cancer therapies while managing their risk for heart complications. These cancer-focused cardiologists work as part of a multidisciplinary patient care team with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialists in breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, kidney cancer, colorectal cancer and other cancer types.

Together, we provide highly coordinated care for the best patient outcomes.

Who needs cardio-oncology?

Wellstar’s cardio-oncology experts evaluate and treat people for heart conditions before, during or after cancer treatments who:

• Are at a high risk of heart disease
• Have heart failure or another existing heart condition
• Experience a heart attack or have other cardiovascular complications after cancer treatment

People who have been newly diagnosed with cancer or who have a preexisting heart condition are potential candidates for the program. Cardio-oncology care is available for those who are already in treatment and need care or who are in the survivorship stage, meaning they've had cancer in the last 5 years and need treatment.

Cardio-oncology care is appropriate for people with a cancer diagnosis requiring chemotherapy which may be cardiotoxic. People who have radiation therapy in their chest may also be affected by heart conditions.

A potential side effect of chemotherapy is weakening the heart muscle, which can affect heart function. Our cardiologists and nurse navigators work with your cancer physician to adjust treatments as needed if they detect a drop in heart function during treatment.

Cancer therapies known for cardiotoxicity include:

• Anthracyclines
• Platinum‑Based Chemotherapy
• HER2‑Targeted Therapies
• Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
• Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs)
• Fluoropyrimidines (for example, 5‑FU, Capecitabine)

What to expect

Patients in our care will have imaging tests and blood tests regularly. This helps look for signs of developing heart conditions or complications during cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation.

At Wellstar, our cardio-oncology nurse navigators—registered nurses with specialized training in your area of treatment—will help you at each step of your care. They bring compassionate, personalized support and guidance to you and your family before, during and after your cancer treatment.

Nationally recognized care

We strive to provide the most comprehensive and innovative care. The Joint Commission, American Heart Association and Commission on Cancer recognize our heart care and cancer care as high-quality and evidence-based.

Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center is an International Cardio Oncology Society (ICOS) Center of Excellence.