What is Cardio-Oncology?
Over the years, cancer treatments have progressed tremendously, saving countless lives. Yet sometimes, cancer treatments can lead to heart disease. In a vast majority of cases, simple interventions can greatly improve heart health if the damage is treated early. The cardio-oncology program at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is designed to improve the heart health of cancer patients and cancer survivors through evidence-based cardiac and vascular care. The comprehensive approach involves prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow up tailored to the cardiac care needs of each cancer patient.
Who Is a Potential Candidate for Cardio-Oncology?
Not everyone who receives cancer treatment will have heart disease complications, but they do arise often enough that Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has cardiovascular specialists dedicated to cardio-oncology. Who is at risk? Anyone who is receiving or has received some form of cancer treatment is a potential candidate for cardio-oncology care. However, patients who have symptoms or conditions related to heart disease are at greater risk. Some possible scenarios include:
- A patient starting cancer treatment who also has risk factors for heart disease
- A patient starting cancer treatment who is currently being treated for heart disease
- A patient receiving chemotherapy or radiation who becomes easily fatigued
- A patient who has completed cancer treatment and developed heart-related issues or shows heart disease symptoms
- A patient who has been diagnosed with a cardiac tumor
Do All Cancer Treatments Cause Heart Problems?
Some cancer therapies have the potential to damage the heart (cardiotoxicity), causing it to pump less effectively, reducing blood flow and/or increasing the risk of clots. These side effects are more commonly associated with the following cancer treatments:
- Breast cancer medication
- Many leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma and multiple myeloma therapies
- Chest radiation
- Immunotherapy medications
- Targeted therapies
Cardio-Oncology Services
The team at Methodist provides expert, individually focused cardiovascular care to oncology patients before, during and after cancer treatment. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Risk assessment prior to cancer treatment
- Management of existing heart conditions during cancer treatment
- Monitoring heart health during cancer treatment
- Long-term cardiac care for cancer survivors
In addition to evaluating health history and administering stress tests, state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools are used to evaluate the heart:
- Cardiac MRI
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT scan)
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography (with 3-D and strain imaging)
- Nuclear cardiology
The Only Board-Certified Cardio-Oncologist in Memphis
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is proud to have the only board-certified cardio-oncologist in Memphis on staff. Dr. Isaac Rhea’s expertise in the field of cardio-oncology is a result of his many years of experience and his fellowship in cardio-oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center. He is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine and was a Cardiovascular Disease Fellow at Case-Western Reserve University. He was also a Research Fellow in Echocardiography at Indiana University where he learned under Dr. Harvey Feigenbaum, known as the “Father of Echocardiography”.
Isaac B. Rhea, MD, FACC
Director, Cardio-Oncology Program
Contact Us
Our specially trained team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment while minimizing any existing or future heart conditions and complications. To find a physician and get information for scheduling an appointment, click here.