Cardio-Oncology
Our cardio-oncology experts provide highly specialized heart care. We work with people with cancer who have heart disease or are at high risk for heart disease before, during or after their cancer treatment.
Experts in Heart Disease & Cancer Care
Recent research has found a connection between cancer and cardiovascular health, leading to the creation of cardio-oncology. This new, highly specialized field of study focuses on the link between cancer treatment and heart disease and how to optimize patients’ health. Cardio-oncologists are cardiologists with training in heart disease who have additional knowledge of how cancer therapies affect the heart.
Our cardio-oncologists help people receive the most appropriate cancer therapies while managing their risk for heart complications. These cancer-focused cardiologists work as part of a multidisciplinary patient care team with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast cancer specialists and prostate cancer specialists. Together, we provide highly coordinated care for the best patient outcomes.
Wellstar’s cardio-oncology experts evaluate and treat people for heart conditions before, during or after cancer treatments who:
Our cardio-oncologists help people receive the most appropriate cancer therapies while managing their risk for heart complications. These cancer-focused cardiologists work as part of a multidisciplinary patient care team with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast cancer specialists and prostate cancer specialists. Together, we provide highly coordinated care for the best patient outcomes.
Who needs cardio-oncology
People with prostate cancer, breast cancer and those who have radiation therapy in the chest tend to be most affected by heart conditions.Wellstar’s cardio-oncology experts evaluate and treat people for heart conditions before, during or after cancer treatments who:
- Are at a high risk of heart disease
- Have heart failure or another existing heart condition
- Experience a heart attack or have other cardiovascular complications after cancer treatment
What to expect
Patients in our care will have imaging tests and blood tests regularly. This helps look for signs of developing heart conditions or complications during cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation.Our experts have experts
Our cardio-oncology cancer experts have a direct connection to Mayo Clinic specialists through our membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Wellstar physicians and patients can request eConsults — electronic second opinions — from Mayo Clinic specialists at no additional cost to patients.Nationally-recognized care
We strive to provide the most comprehensive and innovative care. The Joint Commission, American Heart Association and Commission on Cancer recognize our heart care and cancer care as high-quality and evidence-based.
Do I need a referral to see a cardio-oncologist?
Patients in the care of an oncologist or hematologist may self-refer to make an appointment.