Cardio-Oncology Clinic

The Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic is one of the few comprehensive programs in the country dedicated to collaborative cardiac care for patients with cancer.

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Doctor evaluates patient with stethoscope (stock image)

Heart Care During and After Cancer Treatment

Heart disease and cancer are the number one and two killers respectively in the U.S. Patients with cancer have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Heart disease can cause interruptions in cancer treatment, affect long-term quality of life and impact overall survival.

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Cardio-oncology is an important sub-specialty that takes care of patients with cancer who develop cardiovascular disease. The Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic is one of the few multidisciplinary programs in the country dedicated to collaborative cardiac care for patients with cancer. We bring together under one roof an expert team of cardiologists, hematologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons to deliver comprehensive care to the people of Georgia and beyond.

In 2022, The International Cardio-Oncology Society designated our program a gold-level Cardio-Oncology "Center of Excellence," one of fewer than 35 gold-level centers worldwide.

Cancer Treatment and Heart Damage

The Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic anticipates, prevents and manages heart diseases that can arise as a result of chemotherapy and radiation. There are many types of heart disease that can result from cancer treatment:

Heart failure or a weakened heart muscle
Heart attack or a blockage of blood vessels of the heart
Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation
Valvular heart disease such as premature narrowing of the heart valves
Pericardial disease or complications of the lining surrounding the heart muscle

Our cardio-oncologists use a comprehensive approach, including cutting-edge diagnostics, to evaluate patients with cancer and reduce the risk of complications from heart disease. They then work collaboratively with your oncology team to limit delays or interruptions in your cancer therapy while protecting your heart during and after your treatment.

Who Should See a Cardio-Oncologist?

We recommend patients with cancer who develop the following symptoms see a cardio-oncologist for a consultation:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Swelling in the legs
Palpitations
Lightheadedness

We incorporate an expert understanding of heart disease in the setting of cancer. We also provide tailored treatment for the following specific heart conditions in patients with cancer:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG)
Abnormal echocardiogram (Echo)

If you are receiving any of the following cancer therapies, we recommend scheduling a consultation:

Anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunrorubicin, epirubicin, idrarubicin, mitoxantrone)
Traztuzumab (Herceptin)
VEGF inhibitors (sorafenib, sunitinib, regorafenib)
Radiation to the chest ( > 30 Grays)
Bone marrow transplant

Your Cardio-Oncology Care at Winship

Our program is dedicated exclusively to patients with cancer, and we provide expedited access for patients and oncology providers concerned about heart disease.

Services provided by the Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic include:

Optimizing risk factors for heart disease prior to cancer therapy.
Management of pre-existing heart disease before starting cancer treatment.
Monitoring the heart during cancer therapy.
Treating acute heart problems during cancer therapy.
Follow-up of high-risk patients with cancer for heart disease and prevention.
Participation in clinical trials on heart disease and cancer.

We place a strong emphasis on timely access and consultation. We understand that it is critical to be seen soon to prevent delays in your cancer treatment and protect your long-term heart health.