Cardio-oncology program

Karen Yontz Center for Cardio-Oncology

Undergoing cancer treatments is already a stressful experience but it’s also tough knowing that some cancer treatments could have dangerous side effects for your heart. That’s why your doctors are here to give you peace of mind. We’ll monitor you very closely while you’re receiving cancer care to find and treat any complications right away.

The Karen Yontz Center for Cardio-Oncology at Aurora Health Care treats heart-related complications of cancer treatment with integrated, patient-centric care. In 2022, the center was awarded a Silver Center of Excellence certification by the International Cardio-Oncology Society.

What is cardio-oncology care?

Cardio-oncology care blends research and expertise to help detect, monitor and treat cardiovascular risks that might occur as side effects to cancer treatment.

Our cardiologists and oncologists work closely with geneticists and pharmacists to create a cardiac and cancer care plan that suits your individual needs.

With the right combination of advanced treatment and medications, we can fight a particular cancer while also decreasing your risk of heart complications.

Monitoring cardio-oncology risk

While you’re undergoing cancer treatment, we’ll work to detect any abnormalities of your heart and vascular system. Finding any problems early gives us a better chance to prevent or treat any complications.

During and after your cancer treatment, we’ll monitor:

• Chemotherapy side effects: Some chemotherapy can weaken the heart. If you've had past heart problems, your heart should be checked carefully during treatment. Some people who take specific chemotherapy may experience arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy (weakened or enlarged heart) and hypertension.
• Radiation side effects: Radiation treatment, especially if it was performed before 1990 or involved the left chest, can damage heart tissue or the heart valves. People who received radiation may have a higher chance of heart disease. Radiation also can make it riskier to have later cardiovascular surgery. – However, we offer minimally invasive treatments, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement, that can dramatically reduce this risk.
• Hormone treatment side effects: Some hormone treatments can increase your risk of blood clots and heart attack. We’ll monitor you very carefully during treatment to flag these risks and help you manage them.

Treatment options

Whether you have existing cardiovascular problems or are at risk, our team can develop a customized treatment plan to protect your heart.

Our services range from comprehensive evaluation to effective treatments for people who are:

• At risk for heart disease and are having or will have cancer treatment
• Being treated for heart disease and are having or will have cancer treatment
• Received cancer treatment in the past and may develop heart and circulatory problems

We’ll conduct a cardiovascular disease assessment to develop your personalized care plan. This consists of:

• Reviewing your medical history
• A physical exam
• Appropriate testing based on your individual needs. These tests may include: advanced echocardiogram,
  cardiac MRI, cardiac stress test or other advanced imaging deemed necessary.

Find more non-clinical resources from the Karen Yontz Women’s Cardiac Awareness Center, which offers tools and information in aim of decreasing the incidence of heart disease in women.