Watch for early signs that something may be wrong with your cardiovascular system. Some symptoms may not be related to the cancer or its treatment; your doctor will consider other possible causes.
Learn more about:
Symptoms
 | Chest pain or tightnessThis may feel like heavy, crushing pain or pressure in your chest, back, neck or jaw. It may also feel like sharp, stabbing pain. |
| Shortness of breathThis is when you feel that you cannot get enough air into your lungs. It’s normal to feel this way after exercise or physical work, but if it feels worse than usual or happens for no reason, this may be a sign of heart problems. |
| Swelling in the legsIf your heart is not pumping blood around the body as well as it should, blood and other fluids can build up in your legs, ankles and feet. This is called oedema. It can also be a side effect of some cancer treatments. |
| FatigueThis is extreme tiredness and lack of energy that usually does not go away with rest. |
| Feeling faint or dizzyYou may feel light-headed, unsteady on your feet, or notice changes in your vision. |
| Abnormal heartbeatYour heart may beat faster than usual (heart palpitations) or in an abnormal way (irregular heartbeat). This may happen when the heart’s electrical signals aren’t working properly. |
| Other symptomsThese may include: pain in the arms or shoulders; indigestion; unexplained perspiration (feeling sweaty); or unexplained nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. These symptoms are more common in women, but can also affect men. For more information about heart health for women, visit herheart.org. |
If symptoms are severe or come on suddenly, call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department. Be sure to tell the emergency doctors about your cancer treatment.
Health professionals you may see
Looking after your cardiovascular health during and after cancer treatment is important. If you have existing heart problems or have any risk factors, you may need support in making lifestyle changes. You may see a:
| general practitioner (GP) | a doctor who supports your general health, including your cardiovascular health, before and after cancer treatment. Depending on where you are having your treatment, your GP may also be involved in your care during cancer treatment. If you don’t have a regular GP, it’s a good idea to find one and start building a relationship. |
| exercise physiologist, physiotherapist | prescribe safe and effective exercise to help restore or improve people’s overall health, fitness, strength and energy levels. |
| dietitian | helps with nutrition concerns and may recommend changes to your diet during treatment and recovery. |
If you have a higher risk of heart-related side effects, you may also see a:
| cardiologist | a doctor who specialises in the treatment of heart disease. |
| cardio-oncologist | a cardiologist with special training in managing the effects of cancer and cancer treatments on the cardiovascular system; they help to reduce cardiovascular risks and manage cardiovascular problems that may occur. |
| cardiac nurse | a nurse who specialises in cardiovascular health; may be involved in some heart tests. |
After your cancer treatment is finished, your heart health may continue to be monitored by your GP, a cardiologist or cardio-oncologist.
There are also many things that you can do to look after your own cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of any future problems.
→ READ MORE: Prevention and monitoring
Prof Bogda Koczwara, Director, Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship, UNSW, NSW; Prof Aaron Sverdlov, Cardiologist and Co-Director, Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio- Oncology, Hunter New England Health and The University of Newcastle, NSW; Dr Diana Adams, Medical Oncologist, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, NSW; Tamara Casey, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Breast Assessment Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Dr Daniel Chen, Cardiologist and Specialist in Cardio-Oncology, Prince of Wales and St George Hospitals, NSW; A/Prof Eng-Siew Koh, Radiation Oncologist, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital and University of NSW, NSW; Cynthia Leigh, Consumer; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre at Cancer Council NSW and The University of Sydney, NSW; Prof Doan Ngo, Co-Director, Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology, The University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSW; Peter O’Hearn, Consumer; Prof Nick Pavlakis, Medical Oncologist, Royal North Shore Hospital and Professor of Medicine, The University of Sydney, NSW; Deb Roffe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Lorcan Ruane, Cardiologist, The Prince Charles Hospital, QLD; Margaret Ryan, Nurse Practitioner, Cardio-Oncology Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital, NSW; Dr Elysia Thornton-Benko, Specialist GP/Primary Care and Cancer Survivorship Physician, NSW; Helen Wardman, Consumer; Dr Trent Williams, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cardiology, John Hunter Hospital, NSW; Dr Janice Yeh, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Megan Yong, Consumer.
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