does anybody know about heart problems with radiation?

I have chronic heart disease. I had a bilateral mastectomy in May 2025. Cancer was found in both breasts, early stage. I did not want lumpectomies...because I absolutely did not want radiation which is always done following lumpectomies.
I do not wish to scare you...but, yes, radiation can scar the heart (& lungs) and mimic a heart attack. I was informed of this by my oncology team since I was a heart patient who developed breast cancer.
I already had a damaged heart. So it was very clear to me my option was the best for me.
Of course, you will hear from other women reporting they had no problems at all with radiation affecting their hearts.
No one knows how anything ultimately turns out when comes to cancer, follow up treatments and with existing health issues. It is all individualized. I am simply passing on the heart information I was clearly told in consultations with my breast surgeon. She would have been practicing very poorly if she did NOT tell me all the risks with radiation and the heart (& lungs). I had full trust in her. I don't regret my decision at all.
The very best of luck to you - research this more and you will make an informed decision on which way to go.
Nothing is easy in or with cancer. Nothing. Risks and benefits are always there. Weigh your options - risks vs. benefits. You will make the right choice for yourself. All the best!

Yes, it definitely can cause problems - I had right side radiation, 40 rounds, because the cancer was in my chest wall post-chemo, where surgery could not cut it out.

I had heart scans before radiation (I was 38) and I do have some lung scarring pist

Are you considering radiation? What has the radiation oncologist told you? And do you currently have heart issues? If you can add some details I think you'll get some useful response. I gather the heart can be harmed, but that are positions etc. that make it less likely with radiation.

I had 20 rounds of radiation in my left breast in 2022. My treatment utilized breathing techniques which had me hold my breath to keep the treated area farther away from my heart. I haven’t experienced any heart issues so far and I do intense exercise several days a week.

Diagnosed left breast close to chest wall near center (so over heart). I was told in initial appointment with radiologist that there could be secondary damage to heart and lungs but they would do all they could to prevent. Actually postponed the initial treatment because radiologist wasn’t happy with positioning related to heart. Went through measurements and markings 3 times before she allowed treatment. Did have problems with chemo so was sent to cardiologist and his comment was that damage was possible but it could take 5 years or more to show he wasn’t that concerned. I do have lung damage that shows up in all CT and PET scans that they attribute to the radiation. So far not causing problems. Trying not to dwell on it but for me it’s a wait and see.

thank you Mistymar. do you know if you had proton or photon radiation?

thank you so much. I appreciate your response

I am being treated at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and I do have a phone consult with radiologist today. I will get some questions answered then. I have to choose between lumpectomy and radiation vs mastectomy. I do have heart issues and I have been very proactive for heart health through diet and exercise for over 10 years and just want to be fully informed especially with other's experiences, which I view as most valuable

That makes a lot of sense. I hope you get clear and useful answers to your questions. Check in with us here on Connect, too, if you feel like it and fill us in as to your decision.