Radiation Heart Disease

Radiation therapy is a common treatment procedure in the treatment of cancer. This treatment is done to eliminate cancer cells. On the other hand, if this radiation therapy is taken on the chest, it can harm the heart. In such a situation, if we easily understand radiation heart disease, then the effect on the heart due to radiation therapy is known as radiation heart disease. The problem of radiation heart disease can occur in the following situations -

• breast cancer
• esophageal cancer
• Hodgkin lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
• lung cancer

(Read More - Rheumatic Heart Disease)

Radiation can damage the heart and the tissue around it. It can cause swelling for some time. Over time these tissues can become tough and fibrous and unable to function properly. Heart tissues most affected by radiation include -

• Arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle.
• Heart rate maintaining cells.
• Heart muscle (myocardium).
• Tissue that covers the heart (pericardium).
• Valves that separate the chambers of the heart and prevent blood from flowing backward.

(Read More - Home remedies for heart disease)

Its symptoms depend on how quickly they appear and the type of heart condition caused by the radiation.

Short Term Radiation Heart Disease

Symptoms of short-term radiation heart disease are seen due to pericarditis and pericardial effusion. The main symptom of both conditions is severe chest pain.

• It improves when you sit and lean forward.
• When you take a deep breath, it gets worse.
• You may also experience shortness of breath (dyspnea), which gets better when you lie down.

(Read More - Coronary Artery Disease)

Long-Term Radiation Heart Disease

Its symptoms can be as follows -

• Chest pain
• Changes in heart rate or palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Swelling of limbs, abdomen
• Fainting

In severe radiation heart disease, a person can also have a heart attack.

(Read More - Valvular Heart Disease)

Doctors or specialists may recommend some tests to diagnose radiation heart disease. These tests are given keeping in mind your symptoms and medical history. For this, along with some physical tests and blood tests, some other tests can also be done -

• Cardiac catheterization test, which is done through a thin tube.
• Cardiac CT scan.
• Cardiac MRI.
• Chest X-ray.
• Echocardiogram.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG).
• Electrophysiology test.
• Exercise stress test.
• Holter monitor.
• Endomyocardial (heart) biopsy.

(Read More - Yoga for Heart Patients)

Radiation heart disease or radiation heart disease can be treated in many ways. Its treatment can vary according to the severity of the condition. It goes something like this -

• Treatment of heart disease includes lifestyle changes. The right diet, eating at right time, getting up and sleeping, etc.
• Doctors can advise taking medicines related to this.
• Surgery is advised in severe cases.

(Read More - Enlarged Heart treatment)

To avoid radiation heart disease, the main focus is on ensuring that the least amount of radiation reaches the heart. Today's advanced cancer radiation techniques deliver precise doses and reduce the amount of radiation received by the tissue surrounding the heart. These include -

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Uses 3D tumor mapping and a more controlled beam of radiation.
• Proton therapy: Protons are used in this. All the energy received from this is concentrated in the tumor and deposited.
• Not only this, but the positioning also matters a lot during breast cancer treatment.

(Read More - Congestive Heart Failure)

If a patient is given radiation on the chest, then in this situation the risk of heart disease can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle -

• Avoid alcohol.
• Eating healthy.
• Exercise regularly.
• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Say no to smoking.

(Read More - Heart-Related Tests)

If seen, radiation heart disease is not any kind of chronic disease, but it is a problem caused by radiation. In such a situation, if it seems that someone is at risk of this problem, then he should keep getting regular checkups done by the doctor. Apart from this, if anyone feels any kind of symptoms, do not ignore them and consult a doctor in time.

(Read More - What to eat for a stronger heart)