Services Offered at Our Cardio-Oncology Clinic
While cancer treatments are essential to your ability to make a full recovery, the harsh agents required to shrink and kill cancer cells can also be very hard on your body. In particular, many cancer treatments can potentially damage your heart. This can create a wide range of problems for cancer patients who are either at risk for or have already been diagnosed with a heart condition, including an increased risk of cardiovascular complications such as arrhythmia, heart failure and coronary artery disease.
If you have a pre-existing heart condition, it’s critical to manage both conditions throughout your cancer treatment to limit the potential heart-related complications that may develop. The Cardio-Oncology Clinic at South Denver Cardiology Associates provides comprehensive care to cancer patients with cardiovascular disease to ensure their heart health remains an area of focus during their cancer treatment. The services provided by our clinic are essential for achieving optimal outcomes and experiencing the best quality of life when you have to manage a heart condition along with cancer treatment.
What Is Cardio-Oncology?
Cardio-oncology is a specialized field that addresses the cardiovascular health of cancer patients. It provides a multidisciplinary approach leveraging the expertise of both fields (cardiology and oncology) to detect, prevent and manage heart conditions that result from cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Specialists from both fields will collaborate to create customized care plans that deliver your important cancer treatments while addressing your heart health needs.
Our Approach to Cardio-Oncology Patient Care
When you visit our Cardio-Oncology Clinic, you’ll receive a comprehensive care plan that ensures your heart health is prioritized throughout your cancer treatment. Our team utilizes the following techniques to ensure you receive the best possible care throughout every phase of your treatment.
Prior to Cancer Treatment: Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Our team will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam and perform a variety of cardiac tests to evaluate your heart health. We’ll also assess additional cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and lipid levels that may impact your response to cancer treatments. Based on this information, our cardiologists will work with your oncology team to develop a personalized treatment plan that accounts for your cancer type and stage, as well as your cardiac risk profile.
During Cancer Treatment: Continuous Monitoring and Management of Cardiovascular Issues
Our cardio-oncology specialists will work closely with your oncology team throughout your cancer treatment to ensure all potential heart health issues are managed properly. We provide specialized management of a variety of cardiovascular conditions including heart failure, coronary artery disease and arrhythmias. This involves:
- Optimization of heart medications to ensure compatibility with your cancer treatment
- Coordinating with oncologists to minimize the risk of adverse interactions between your heart medications and cancer treatments
In addition, our team will use advanced cardiac imaging and biomarker testing to monitor your heart function throughout your cancer treatment. This allows us to identify any potential cardiac complications in their earliest stages so that they can be managed properly. As part of this process, we’ll prescribe cardioprotective medications early in your treatment to minimize the risk of heart complications, and we’ll recommend adjustments to your cancer therapy plan as needed to mitigate any cardiac risks we detect.
We utilize the latest cardiac imaging technology to ensure we obtain a clear understanding of your heart health throughout the process. This includes:
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac MRI and CT for structural and functional assessment
- Nuclear cardiology for stress testing, and cardiac amyloid detection
After Cancer Treatment: Long-Term Follow-Up Care
Our cardio-oncology care doesn’t end when your cancer treatment is completed. Our team will continue working with you to help optimize your heart health moving forward. Our long-term follow-up care includes:
- Regular monitoring to detect any late-onset cardiovascular complications that may develop after your cancer treatment
- Recommending lifestyle changes such as diet adjustments, increased exercise and quitting smoking that will help promote long-term heart health
- Implementing a variety of preventive measures such as statin medications and aspirin therapy as needed based on your personal risk of heart complications
- Providing comprehensive educational resources and offering personalized counseling that will help you take control of your heart health
South Denver Cardiology Associates Can Help
Cancer treatment impacts your body in many ways, and it can have far-reaching consequences on your heart health. Our Cardio-Oncology Clinic provides the comprehensive, multidisciplinary care you need to manage any cardiovascular issues that may arise and prevent the development of serious heart health complications. This care is critical for any cancer patients who have a history of heart health issues or may be at risk of developing them.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. South Denver Cardiology Associates serves patients in Denver, Littleton and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
- Services Offered at Our Cardio-Oncology Clinic - December 3, 2024
- Dr. Sri Sundaram’s Research Published in New England Journal of Medicine - November 26, 2024
- Services Offered at Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic - November 12, 2024
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As with any health concerns, your specific treatment program should be discussed thoroughly with your primary care physician as well as any specialists who may need to be consulted – like a cardiologist.
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