Cancer Treatment Induced Heart Disease

Thanks, that’s helpful. I’ve contacted the Rochester campus and should have an update about a consultation soon.

Good question, Alex. Mayo Clinic uses a team approach. Your team will be hand-picked according to your unique needs. It will likely include specialists within and across departments to evaluate your condition from fresh perspectives, specifically cardiology and oncology.

It's important to note that not all Cardio-Oncology services may be available at all Mayo Clinic locations. Be sure to inquire which location has full services.

Hi @colleenyoung . Thanks for the info-packed reply. Yes, my radiation heart disease is a result of chest radiation in 1988. Can you tell me, who are true general cardiologists and surgeons at Mayo who treat/specialize in patients with my history? I'd like to set up a consultation, using the links you supplied, but would like too do so knowing whom to see. Thanks, again.

Hi @ Inali
I have a very similar situation, I had breast cancer and had chemo therapy and left sided chest wall radiation, 13 years ago, they did an echo before treatment and not again until I had symptoms. 3 cardiologist agree that my cardiomyopathy and CHF were caused by the treatment, but I would have done exactly the same thing if I were in that situation again! As I had 5 tumors in my left breast and positive margins on my chest wall. This illness also ended my career as an RN due to the fatigue but I was 60 when this happened so retirement a bit earlier than expected. I heard a speech calling side effects are collateral damage. I thing that is an apt description. Good luck to you!

Welcome @alex1962. Am I understanding correctly that you have heart disease as a result of radiation treatments for cancer? If yes, you may be interested in this related discussion:
- Cancer Treatment Induced Heart Disease https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-induced-heart-disease/

It sounds like you are looking for information about how to request an appointment at Mayo Clinic. Here's the contact information to call or submit a request online. You can self-refer or have your doctor refer you. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Mayo Clinic offers a program to address heart problems associated with cancer treatment called cardio-oncology. 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.

Hi. I have radiation heart disease. Replaced my aortic valve 4 years ago (TAVR) and soon will need to replace the mitral valve. This will be a major operation, and a completely different procedure from what I did previously. I am seeking the names of the cardiac surgeons and general cardiologists that have the most experience with radiation heart disease. Would like to arrange for a consultation and consider treatment options.

Ginger,
I have looked into a referral to OHSU, as I know they have Oncology Cardiologists. Fortunately, it is only about an hour from where I live. I believe I am probably just beginning my cardiac journey. Right now I have the cardiologists a little baffled. It's weird to be on medication that is helping but they don't know what is causing the symptoms.

Lori, thank you for the links and the encouragement. I have had 3 echos over the past few years that seem to show a progressive increase in leakage from all heart valves (trace to mild still). Was just in the hospital for chest pain and had a Lexi scan, ECG and was put on a nitro drip. Imdur and Metoprolol are now controlling the chest pain. I am taking SL nitro PRN. The cardiologist wanted to do an angiogram but didn't feel that the benefits outweigh the risk as I do not have any other risk factors for CAD. I am close to OHSU so will look into referral if my symptoms continue to dictate/limit my quality of life.

Yes I have a similar background and am struggling with heart issues, and had to have a total mastectomy due to two precancerous duct cells found late 2020. Would like to hear more about your challenges. Hard to maneuver this alone

I was lucky enough to have one of the creators of the Calcium Score, Arthur Agoston, as my cardiologist for several years. At the time, I was dealing with a recently discovered genetic marker for cardiac problems and a family history of early death by heart disease. He might be the best doctor I've ever seen. And he's personable and likes to explain things. But what most charmed me is his respect for the body's innate propensity to heal given the right tools. He once described how the body, in a sense, creates its own non-surgical by-pass procedures when it needs to and how surgery just mimics that. He decided early in his career to focus on treating heart issues non-surgically whenever possible.

The Agotston Calcium Score found a major threat a friend's cardiologist and other testing missed and might have saved his life. Given my chronically-highish cholesterol and intolerance of statins my then CAC score of 0 (now 4) and good Endopat results were very reassuring. Dr. A. explained the result was due to blood work showed a disproportionate percentage of larger-sized, non-sticky cholesterol...enough of a benefit to likely outweigh the bad genetics. I'm glad that the calcium score is gaining recognition. It's east, fast and non-invasive and non-stressful.