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Spring/Summer 2020 | 49
which is a rare situation with modern
techniques. If the heart or major
blood vessels are included in the
radiation treatment field, long-term
follow-up to detect cardiovascular
disease may be recommended.
Chemotherapy refers to medications
taken by mouth or given into a vein
to slow or stop the growth of cancer
cells. Each medication and treatment
regimen are different. Patients
who receive certain chemotherapy
medications may be at increased risk
of heart problems — particularly
patients who are over age 60 or have
other conditions that affect the heart,
such as high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or a
history of smoking. If someone has
a history of heart disease or multiple
risk factors, we try to use medications
that do not pose as much risk to
the heart. Our team can also adjust
chemotherapy and cardiovascular
medications to reduce the risk of
heart damage. In some situations,
we may recommend heart testing
during treatment to monitor for
possible effects. We want to make
sure patients get the best treatment
for their cancer, while at the same
time working to protect the heart.
Immunotherapy refers to a newer class
of medications, given through an IV,
to help improve the immune system's
ability to destroy cancer cells. Although
immunotherapy does not cause some
of the side effects seen with traditional
chemotherapy, the immune system
can cause damage to some normal cells
in the body when it's hyperactivated,
including to the heart and blood
vessels. ese risks are still being
studied. We provide treatment quickly
if there is a suggestion that the immune
system may be affecting the heart.
Reducing Risk
After cancer treatment of any kind,
there are important steps to reduce
the risk of cardiovascular problems.
These include:
Working with a primary care
provider to screen and treat
for high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, and diabetes.
Engaging in at least 150 minutes
of moderate exercise per week.
Following a heart-healthy diet.
Losing weight if necessary.
Quitting smoking.
Depending on the cancer treatment,
patients may also need additional
testing for their heart over a period
of many years. Our Cardio-Oncology
team can provide recommendations
for each situation.
If you or a loved one are receiving
treatment anywhere within the
Intermountain system and have a
history of cancer, your physicians can
access resources from our Cardio-
Oncology program. Currently, our
Cardio-Oncology clinics are located
at Intermountain Medical Center
and LDS Hospital. We are working
to develop local Cardio-Oncology
teams from Logan to St. George, as
well as telehealth options, so patients
can receive the highest quality care no
matter where they live.
We have developed new protocols to
rapidly identify and treat patients who
develop heart problems related to their
cancer treatment.
MICHAEL MCCULLOCH, MD
Cardiology
Medical Director of Heart Failure Services
INTERMOUNTAIN MEDICAL CENTER
801-507-4842 | IntermountainHealthcare.org/cardio-oncology
MARGARET VAN METER, MD
Oncology
Medical Director of Breast Oncology
INTERMOUNTAIN MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
801-507-4842 | IntermountainHealthcare.org/cardio-oncology
To find a provider
near you, visit
HealingForLife.com/Providers
