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I have been treated for breast cancer already and I just read that a type of chemo might be bad for my heart. What chemo is that and how should I take care of my heart?
- Hillary Lin(Physician)•
Chemotherapy drugs in the class anthracyclines like doxorubicin and epirubicin can cause damage to your heart, which is called cardiotoxicity. This is because these drugs can harm the heart muscle cells or the blood vessels in the heart, which can cause problems ranging from a decrease in heart function to serious heart conditions like heart failure. To take care of your heart, I would recommend speaking with your oncologist about what types of chemotherapy drugs they plan to use and if it might affect your heart. It is also essential to have your heart checked before starting chemotherapy, and healthcare team should monitor you throughout your treatment for any signs of cardiotoxicity. You can also take additional measures to keep your heart healthy while undergoing chemotherapy, such as regular exercise (with your doctor's approval), maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol. It is also crucial to manage any pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Remember, staying informed, communicating with your healthcare team, and taking care of your heart can help you stay healthy while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.