Cardio-oncology is a subspecialty of cardiology that delivers cardiac (heart) care to cancer patients and survivors. By combining the expertise of cardiologists and oncologists, the cardio-oncology team is able to work together to look after both your cancer treatment and heart health at the same time.
Cancer patients with pre-existing heart disease are at a higher risk of developing complications from cancer treatment. Additionally, some cancer treatments can affect the heart (also known as cardiovascular toxicity) in patients that do not have pre-existing heart conditions. Working closely together, your cardiologist and oncologist aim to improve your overall cancer care by lowering your risks of possible heart complications during cancer treatment.
The Cardio-Oncology Program at Northside Hospital is a joint initiative between the Northside Hospital Heart Institute and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute - two innovative centers at the forefront of patient care. The program is built on cardio-oncology best practices and the latest evidence-based care for cancer patients, as well as the partnership between cardiologists and oncologists, working closely together on patient care.
We place a strong emphasis on consultation and timely access to prevent delays with cancer treatments. Together, we provide coordinated care using an innovative approach and can often develop a treatment plan in just days.
Our goal is to:
If your oncologist recommends you to our program, it is because they feel it will be beneficial for your overall care. Once they submit a referral, our dedicated nurse navigator will contact you to assist in coordinating your initial cardio-oncology appointment.
Our cardio-oncology navigator will ensure that you have a positive patient experience through care coordination and are available to assist you at any point during your journey.
During your first consultation, your care team will conduct a physical examination and review your medical history. Our consultations are performed by cardiologists with special training and expertise in the cardiac side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
Our cardio-oncology team will coordinate a comprehensive care plan for you so that patients and families will experience continuous and supportive care. Your care team’s dual experience in oncology and cardiology bridges the gap so patients and families have guidance throughout the course of treatment.
We provide the following services:
Our goal is to ensure you receive the necessary cancer treatment with the least cardiovascular complications associated with cancer therapies. Your cardio-oncology care team works together to help ensure cancer patients and survivors can live a life that is free of significant side effects on the heart.
Our Cardio-Oncology Program values the partnership between physicians and our team. We are dedicated to providing exceptional care to cancer patients that are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Click here for further clinical details about our program and ways to request a patient consultation.