Dr. Arjun Ghosh

A Consultant Cardiologist in Cardio-Oncology is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in patients who are being treated for cancer. Their role is to manage cardiac side effects during cancer treatment that can happen as a result of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted cancer treatments, while still allowing safe treatment of cancer.

Many cancer treatments can contribute to increased risk of certain cardiac conditions, including heart failure, arrhythmias or high blood pressure. Cardio-Oncology provides care in the early identification of these high-risk factors, as well as education, monitoring, and management of these issues to improve both cardiac health and outcomes from cancer treatment.

Patients receiving cancer therapy should consult with Cardio-Oncology if they have a history of heart disease, or develop new cardiac symptoms during their cancer therapy, or are starting cancer treatment associated with cardiac risk. It is also beneficial to seek preventive care before commencing cancer treatment.

Standard tests may include echocardiography, cardiac MRI, ECG, stress tests, or advanced blood markers to assess heart function before, during, and after cancer treatment. These tests will also help identify early cardiac functional changes.

Cardio-Oncologists work alongside the patient's oncologist, radiation oncologist, and primary care physician, using a multidisciplinary approach to facilitate cancer care safely while preserving heart health.

Yes. Survivors are at risk for delayed cardiac complications as a result of their past cancer treatments. Cardio-Oncologists engage in surveillance and preventive strategies to ensure long-term cardiac health.