Cancer treatment continues to evolve with the development of modern therapies that significantly improve patients’ chances of recovery. However, despite these advancements, certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation may cause side effects in other organs, including the heart. In some patients, these effects can impact heart health both during the course of treatment and even after therapy has been completed.
For this reason, monitoring cardiovascular health has become an important part of comprehensive cancer care. A medical approach that combines expertise from both cardiology and oncology is increasingly needed to ensure cancer treatment remains effective while minimizing potential risks to the heart. This is where the role of cardio-oncology becomes essential in the overall care journey of cancer patients.
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, heart examinations for cancer patients are provided by dr. Siti Elkana Nauli, Sp.JP (K), a cardiology consultant with expertise in this field.
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Understanding Cardio-Oncology and Its Purpose
Cardio-oncology is a specialized field that focuses on managing the cardiovascular health (heart and blood vessels) of cancer patients before, during, and after cancer treatment.
This field emphasizes the prevention, early detection, and management of heart-related complications (cardiotoxicity) that may arise from cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. These complications may include heart failure, high blood pressure, and heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias).
Below are several key aspects of cardio-oncology:
- Main goal: To ensure cancer treatment can proceed effectively without causing long-term damage to the heart.
- Multidisciplinary care: Cardiologists and oncologists work together to evaluate potential risks and determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for each patient.
- Core services: These include cardiovascular risk assessment, regular monitoring through imaging and blood tests, as well as the management of pre-existing heart conditions.
- Common conditions monitored: Some of the cardiovascular problems commonly addressed in cardio-oncology include heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
Meet dr. Siti Nauli, a Cardiologist with Expertise in Cardio-Oncology
dr. Siti Elkana Nauli, Sp.JP (K) is a consultant cardiologist with extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. She completed her medical degree at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, and later pursued her cardiology specialist training at the same institution. To further strengthen her expertise in cardiac imaging, dr. Siti also completed the Fellow of Echocardiography program at the University of Indonesia.
Throughout her professional career, dr. Siti has been actively involved in various cardiology organizations at both national and international levels. She is a member of the Indonesian Heart Association and the Indonesian Society of Echocardiography. In addition, she is part of the Pulmonary Hypertension Working Group and the Indonesian Heart Failure and Cardiometabolic Working Group.
Internationally, dr. Siti is recognized as a Fellow of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology. She also serves as a board member of the Asian Society of Cardiology and the World Heart Failure Society.
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, dr. Siti provides comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation and treatment services. These include advanced cardiac imaging procedures such as Cardiac MRI, Cardiac CT, and Cardiac Nuclear imaging, as well as diagnostic and interventional procedures such as coronary angiography and Cath Lab procedures.
She also performs a range of supporting diagnostic tests, including echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). In addition, dr. Siti offers comprehensive heart consultations and performs procedures such as cardioversion and electrophysiology studies to diagnose and manage heart rhythm disorders.
Practice schedule of dr. Siti Elkana Nauli, Sp.JP (K) at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Monday: 16:30 – 18:30 WIB
- Wednesday: 16:30 – 18:30 WIB.
Heart Examinations for Cancer Patients at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers a range of cardiac examinations to monitor cardiovascular health in cancer patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy. Regular monitoring is essential to detect potential heart problems early, allowing doctors to provide timely and appropriate management if signs of heart dysfunction appear.
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram is a test used to record the electrical activity of the heart. During this procedure, small electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs and connected to an ECG machine. The device records the heart’s electrical signals, allowing doctors to evaluate whether there are abnormalities in the heart rhythm or its electrical activity.
2. Blood tests
Blood tests also play an important role in assessing heart health. Doctors often evaluate certain biomarkers such as cardiac troponin (cTn) and natriuretic peptide (NP). Elevated levels of these proteins may indicate damage to heart muscle cells. Blood tests may also include cholesterol evaluation and diabetes screening to assess other cardiovascular risk factors.
3. Echocardiography
Echocardiography is a heart examination that uses ultrasound waves to produce real-time images of the heart. This test helps doctors evaluate the structure of the heart chambers, the condition of the heart valves, and the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.
4. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce highly detailed three-dimensional images of the heart. This examination allows doctors to assess heart structure more comprehensively, including its pumping function and potential changes in heart muscle tissue.
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