Improved Cardiovascular Outcomes for Cancer Patients
Although cancer therapies are vital for destroying cancer cells, some of them can produce toxins that impair heart function or cause long-term heart damage. The goal of the University Hospitals Cardio-Oncology Program is to prevent, monitor and treat heart problems related to cancer care.
Cardiologists in University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and cancer doctors in University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center work as a team to provide a treatment plan for your individual needs. We offer complete heart health evaluation, testing and management while you are in the hospital and as an outpatient service.
Your health is important. Get expert care.
To schedule an appointment with us, call 216-844-3800.
If you have questions about our program, please call 216-844-8958.
Reasons to See Us
The International Cardio-Oncology Society has designated Harrington HVI’s Cardio-Oncology Program as a Center of Excellence with its highest honor: Gold Designation. Read more.
Not everyone requires our services. The need for our services depends on your cancer treatment plan, age and current/past health issues. Reasons to see us include:
- You are getting chemo, radiation, a stem cell transplant or another cancer treatment that could harm your heart.
- You have, or have had, heart problems.
- You have certain health issues – such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease – that increase your chances of developing heart problems.
Various heart and blood vessel complications are linked to chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other cancer treatments. Some of the most common ones include:
- Arrhythmias
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
If your doctor thinks you may benefit from our care, they can refer you for a cardio-oncology consult visit.
Benefits of the Program
Benefits of the University Hospitals Cardio-Oncology Program include:
- Access to the most advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques available
- Collaborative medical care between nationally recognized cardiologists and oncologists
- Ongoing follow-up care during cancer treatment
- Continued care following cancer treatment
- Advanced surgical options for patient with valve and pericardial disease
- Advanced heart failure therapies
Latest Advancements in Cardiac Surveillance
By using the latest advancements in heart surveillance, our cardiologists can view the function of your heart and receive important real-time information that is needed to evaluate your risk for developing a heart condition while undergoing cancer treatment. If you have already been diagnosed with a heart condition, these heart monitoring tools can provide critical information for the best possible treatment choices
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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Uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to generate detailed pictures of the heart structures
- CT Assessment of Heart Artery Calcium
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Produces images of the coronary arteries to determine if they are blocked or narrowed by plaque buildup
- CT Angiography With HeartFlow® Technology
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Provides anatomic and functional information regarding the extent and significance of coronary artery blockages
- 3D Echocardiography With Strain Technology
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Allows for 3D visualization of the heart structures
- Novel Biomarkers
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Predicts cardiovascular events so proper management decisions can be made
- Functional Exercise Testing
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Measures how the heart functions when it’s under exercise-induced stress
- Endomyocardial Biopsy
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Obtains a small piece of myocardial tissue for pathologic evaluation
What to Expect
A visit with our team includes:
- A physical exam
- Talking about you and your family’s health history
- Reviewing your future and/or past cancer treatment
- Heart tests and blood work; some heart tests can be done at your first visit, but others must be scheduled for a later date
Once we have your heart test results, we create your cardio-oncology care plan. The plan is shared with you and your cancer doctor. Your plan may include:
- Medicine
- Frequent follow-up visits with our team
- Cardiac monitoring
- Repeat testing
While you are in our program, we will recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce cardiac risk and provide cardiac support throughout the entire treatment process. After your cancer treatment, we will schedule structured follow-up appointments and continue to monitor you for potential heart problems.
Make an Appointment
Your health is important. Get expert care.
Offering in-person and virtual visits.
Schedule online with a cardiologistLearn more about virtual visit