Cardio-Oncology

Cardio oncology is defined as the interdisciplinary field of medicine in which the clinical alterations of cardiovascular system are studied during the different methods of treatments of cancer. It aids in studying the heart conditions in patients who have been treated for cancer. The ultimate aim of Cardio oncology is to find a balance between oncologic efficacy and reducing adverse cardiovascular effects. Age, obesity, use of tobacco, intake of certain types of cancer drugs or radiation treatment to the chest is considered as the risk factors by cardiologists. Other reasons may be the consequences of radio- and chemo-therapy in long-term survivors of malignancy. All patients who are being considered for chemotherapy, especially those who have prior history of cardiac disease should undergo detailed cardiovascular evaluation to optimize the treatment. Serial examination of left ventricular systolic function and cardiac biomarkers might also be considered in the selected populations of patient. Malignancy can also occur during long-term follow-up after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Cardio-oncology studies helps oncologists in early treatment by closely watching the heart of their patients to protect them.