Radiation therapy for breast cancer can affect the heart, since it's located close to the chest wall. Some issues show up within weeks or months, while others may not appear for years — sometimes up to 20 years later.
Here are the heart-related complications that can develop:
Short-term
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the Show Full Answer
Radiation therapy for breast cancer can affect the heart, since it's located close to the chest wall. Some issues show up within weeks or months, while others may not appear for years — sometimes up to 20 years later.
Here are the heart-related complications that can develop:
Short-term:
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around the heart) — symptoms include chest pain, shoulder/neck pain, difficulty breathing, and heart palpitations
- Pericardial effusion (fluid buildup around the heart) — can be serious and life-threatening
Long-term:
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle)
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Valvular heart disease
- Constrictive pericarditis (thickening of the heart sac) Left-sided radiation carries a higher heart risk since it's closer to the heart. Factors like a history of heart disease, high cholesterol, smoking, or certain chemotherapy drugs can increase that risk further.
It's really important to report any new or unusual chest symptoms to your care team right away, and keep up with follow-up appointments so they can monitor for any changes.
October 25
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