Protecting Your Heart While Treating Cancer: Why Cardio-Oncology Matters More Than Ever

Cancer treatment is focused on one thing—beating cancer. But for many patients, there’s another critical organ that needs protection along the way: the heart.

Chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies can place added stress on the cardiovascular system, especially for patients with existing heart conditions or risk factors. That’s why having a care team that looks beyond cancer alone is so important.

By bringing cardiology and oncology specialists together, Archbold helps patients protect their heart health while staying on track with life-saving cancer treatments—because treating cancer shouldn’t come at the cost of long-term heart health.

What Is Cardio-Oncology and Why Is It So Important?

Cardio-oncology is a specialized approach to care that focuses on preventing, monitoring, and treating heart-related side effects of cancer therapy. Certain cancer treatments can affect heart muscle strength, heart rhythm, or blood vessels, sometimes during treatment—and sometimes months or even years later.

“Cancer therapies have advanced tremendously, but some can impact the heart in ways we need to anticipate and manage,” explains Kashyap Choksi, MD, PhD, a cardiologist at Archbold in Thomasville, Georgia. “Cardio-oncology allows us to stay one step ahead, identifying potential risks early and protecting heart function throughout treatment.”

This proactive approach helps patients safely complete cancer therapy while reducing the risk of long-term cardiovascular complications.

How Cancer Treatment Can Affect Heart Health

Cancer treatments can influence the heart in different ways, depending on the type of therapy and the patient’s overall health. Some treatments may weaken the heart muscle, while others can increase blood pressure or affect heart rhythm. Even certain cancers themselves can increase inflammation in the body leading to accelerated heart disease.

“Every patient’s situation is unique,” says Sheetal L. Higbee, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at the Archbold Cancer Center in Thomasville, Georgia. “That’s why collaboration is so important. When cardiology and oncology work together, we can tailor treatment plans that address cancer effectively while keeping heart health front and center.”

Patients with pre-existing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking may benefit especially from Archbold’s cardio-oncology program and the oversight of both specialties combined.

A Team-Based Approach to Care

At Archbold, cardio-oncology isn’t a separate service—it’s an integrated partnership.

Cardiologists and oncologists communicate regularly, review imaging and lab results together, and adjust treatment plans when needed.

“Our goal is balance,” Dr. Choksi says. “We want patients to receive the most effective cancer treatment possible while minimizing stress on the heart. That often means monitoring heart function closely and intervening early if we see issues that need to be addressed.”

This team-based approach helps prevent treatment interruptions and provides patients with added peace of mind during an already challenging time.

Why Heart Health Matters During—and After—Cancer Treatment

Heart health doesn’t stop being important once cancer treatment ends. Some cardiac effects may not appear until later, making long-term follow-up essential.

“Survivorship is a big part of the conversation,” Dr. Higbee notes. “At Archbold, we’re not just focused on getting patients through cancer treatment—we’re focused on helping them live well afterward. Protecting heart health plays a major role in quality of life after cancer.”

By identifying risks early and monitoring heart health over time, Archbold’s cardio-oncology program supports both immediate treatment success and long-term wellness.

What Cancer Patients Can Do to Support Their Heart

Patients play an important role in protecting their heart health during cancer treatment. Small, everyday actions—combined with regular communication with your care team—can make a meaningful difference.

Patients can help support their heart by:

• Keeping all scheduled appointments, including cardiac checkups and imaging recommended during treatment
• Reporting new or worsening symptoms right away, such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, swelling, or unusual fatigue
• Staying as physically active as possible, based on guidance from their care team
• Managing existing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
• Taking medications exactly as prescribed and asking questions if anything is unclear
• Maintaining heart-healthy habits, including balanced nutrition, hydration, and adequate rest
   

“Patients should never hesitate to speak up if something feels off,” Dr. Choksi emphasizes. “You should contact your doctor right away if you experience shortness of breath, fatigue that feels different, or swelling. Catching symptoms early allows us to act fast and protect your heart.”

Cardio-Oncology Support Throughout Your Cancer Journey

At Archbold, cancer care is never one-size-fits-all. Dr. Choksi works closely with our medical oncologists in a multidisciplinary setting, helping ensure patients receive the most appropriate cancer therapy while minimizing the risk of heart-related complications and avoiding unnecessary treatment interruptions.

If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment and has questions about your heart health, your cancer care team can connect you with Dr. Choksi and Archbold’s cardio-oncology program.