Breast cancer is a difficult and often frightening journey for many women. As you focus on your treatment and recovery, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll it takes.
While treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are vital to overcoming breast cancer, they can also have side effects that impact your heart health. By understanding these risks and taking proactive steps, you can ensure that your heart remains strong throughout your treatment
How Cancer Treatments Impact Heart Health
Many treatments for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can inadvertently harm the heart. Drugs like anthracyclines weaken the heart muscle, while radiation aimed at the chest can cause inflammation in the heart’s arteries, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. It’s important to recognize this connection and work with your healthcare team to monitor heart health during and after treatment.
Steps to protect Your Heart During and After Treatment
Women undergoing breast cancer treatment can take several precautions to protect their heart health. If you are going through treatment, consider taking the following steps to safeguard your heart:
- Schedule a heart health screening before starting treatment.
- Stay in touch with your healthcare provider to regularly monitor your cardiovascular health.
- Focus on a heart-healthy lifestyle, including physical activity when possible and a balanced diet.
- Stay in touch with your healthcare provider to monitor your health, including heart disease risks, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, as much as possible.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health While Navigating Breast Cancer
If you or a loved one are undergoing breast cancer treatment, it’s crucial to stay informed, and work with your healthcare team to take care of your heart. Visit WomenHeart’s website to learn more about maintaining cardiovascular health and support our work as we provide education and support to women in their heart health journey.
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