Take a look at how radiation therapy can impact the future health of your heart.
BY Ryan Hamner
PUBLISHED March 22, 2018
Ryan Hamner is a four-time survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma, a musician and a writer. In 2011, he wrote and recorded, "Where Hope Lives" for the American Cancer Society and the song for survivors, "Survivors Survive" used in 2015 for #WorldCancerDay. Currently, he operates his website for those affected by cancer, 2surviveonline.com and drinks a ridiculous amount of coffee per day.
Radiation therapy is used to treat many forms of cancer. They blasted me with it as a child when I was being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma. However, what does radiation therapy do to the heart?
Unfortunately, radiation therapy can cause cardiotoxicity. In other words, radiation can injury literally every part of the heart. This means that the pericardium, myocardium, heart valves and arteries can all be damaged by radiation therapy. The heart's electrical system can also be susceptible to damage, leading to arrhythmias.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the heart damage from radiation therapy isn't always immediate, either. It can show up within months of treatment or take years for a cancer survivor to show any signs of heart damage.
Unfortunately, radiation therapy can cause cardiotoxicity. In other words, radiation can injury literally every part of the heart. This means that the pericardium, myocardium, heart valves and arteries can all be damaged by radiation therapy. The heart's electrical system can also be susceptible to damage, leading to arrhythmias.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the heart damage from radiation therapy isn't always immediate, either. It can show up within months of treatment or take years for a cancer survivor to show any signs of heart damage.
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