Does anybody know about heart problems with radiation?

Here is a related discussion:
- About to start radiation: Did anyone have heart or lung complications https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-complications/

@vlaugtug, I thought you might like to know about cardio-oncology.

Mayo Clinic offers a program to address heart problems associated with cancer treatment called cardio-oncology or for people who have a pre-existing heart condition when diagnosed with cancer. The Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment, and can help evaluate treatment when you have both cancer and heart conditions.

You might wish to inquire about the program if the radiologist didn't mention it already.

You can also ask if your facility offers radiation in the prone position.
You lay on your stomach with your breast hanging through a hole (not as uncomfortable as it sounds, boards are heavily padded). In this position the radiation beam is aimed away from the heart.
This may or may not be appropriate depending on the specific location that needs radiation, and it is not offered at all facilities since it requires special equipment and training.

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.

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

thank you so much. I appreciate your response

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

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.

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.

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.

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