Heart Surgery and Cancer: What Is Cardio-Oncology?

Heart disease is a prevalent health concern all over the world. For women in the United States, for instance, it causes the most deaths, more than any other illness or disease. Fortunately, heart surgery is an option for many patients, and saves many lives. However, the prospect of heart surgery poses special circumstances for cancer patients. Here are three facts about the field of cardio-oncology and the special needs of cancer patients with heart problems.

1. What is Cardio-Oncology?

Cardio-oncology is an area of medicine that provides a patient with cancer treatment while trying to protect the heart. It is a plan, a program, that addresses the matters that patients who have cancer and heart disease must address at the same time to give them the best care possible.

2. What Are the Emotional Factors?

There are many emotional factors with patients who need heart surgery. And cardio-oncology patients also have a lot of emotions to deal with, since they are dealing with heart services and special matters. In many cases, fear is the number one emotional factor. However, it is important to remember that a cardio-oncologist is there not just for emergency care services, but for maintenance also. Focusing on the fact that the cardio-oncologist is there to help a patient is very effective in alleviating fears that a patient may have.

3.What Can Be Done To Prevent Problems?

It’s always a good idea to maintain good heart health. Practicing heart health habits throughout the years can have benefits and a very positive effect in later life. Exercise is beneficial, too. And if a patient has been diagnosed with heart disease or cancer, it is important to follow through with all testing and treatments such as radiation treatment and MRI imaging services, to name just a few.

Cardio-oncology, then, is an area that deals with the heart and the effects of cancer. Some cancer patients who have had chemotherapy, for instance, are at a greater risk for developing heart disease than other patients. Heart surgery and emotional support services, among other treatment options, are available for these patients. The objective is to provide these patients the best care and the best quality of life possible.