Specialized Heart Care During & After Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments have helped improve survival for countless patients, but some therapies can also affect the heart and blood vessels. Cardio-oncology is a specialized field focused on protecting your cardiovascular health before, during, and after cancer treatment. At Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware, our cardiology team works closely with your oncologists to monitor heart function, manage cardiovascular risks, and help you safely continue your cancer care whenever possible.
How Cancer Treatment Can Affect Heart Health
Certain chemotherapy medications, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and radiation treatments may increase the risk of heart-related side effects. Depending on the type of treatment and your individual health history, these effects may include weakened heart muscle, heart failure, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, or changes in heart valve function. Not every patient experiences cardiovascular complications, but early monitoring can help identify changes before they become more serious.
Why Cardiac Monitoring Matters During Cancer Treatment
Regular cardiovascular monitoring allows your care team to detect changes in heart function as early as possible. By identifying potential issues before symptoms develop, your cardiologist and oncologist can work together to adjust treatment plans when appropriate while helping protect your long-term heart health. Ongoing monitoring may also continue after cancer treatment has ended, particularly for patients who have received therapies known to affect the heart.
MUGA Scan
A MUGA Scan (Multigated Acquisition Scan) is a nuclear medicine test that evaluates how well the heart’s ventricles pump blood. A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream, and a special camera takes images of the heart in motion. This test provides an accurate measurement of the ejection fraction—the percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. It is commonly used to monitor heart function in patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with heart failure. The procedure is safe, painless, and typically takes 1–2 hours, offering precise insight into the heart’s pumping efficiency.
Personalized Cardio-Oncology Care
Every patient's cancer journey is different, which is why we provide individualized cardiovascular care based on your diagnosis, treatment plan, medical history, and overall heart health. Our cardiologists collaborate closely with your oncology team to monitor your heart throughout treatment and develop personalized strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk while supporting your cancer care.
Common Cardiovascular Concerns in Cardio-Oncology
Patients receiving cancer treatment may experience a variety of cardiovascular concerns, including heart muscle weakness, heart failure, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, blood clots, and changes in heart valve function. Our team provides comprehensive evaluation, advanced cardiac testing, and ongoing management to help address these conditions and support your long-term cardiovascular health.
