Undergoing cancer treatment does not only affect cancer cells but can also impact other organs, including the heart. Several therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy (radiotherapy) are known to carry a risk of causing side effects on the heart, known as cardiotoxicity. This condition often goes unnoticed in its early stages but can lead to serious complications if not properly monitored. Therefore, heart health examinations are an essential step for cancer patients—before, during, and after treatment—to ensure that heart function remains well maintained.
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides cardio-oncology services supported by a cardiology specialist with expertise in this field, dr. Siti Elkana Nauli, Sp.JP (K).
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Why Can Cancer Treatment Cause Heart Problems?
Cardiotoxicity refers to damage to the heart that may occur as a side effect of cancer treatments or certain medications. This condition can arise not only during treatment but also years after therapy has been completed, particularly in adults who underwent cancer treatment during childhood. Some types of cancer therapies are known to carry a higher risk of cardiotoxicity.
Cardiotoxicity can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. In more severe cases, it may develop into cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart muscle that weakens its pumping function.
Some cancer treatments associated with a higher risk of cardiotoxicity include:
- Anthracycline chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin, commonly used to treat leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, sarcoma, and multiple myeloma
- Targeted therapy such as trastuzumab, often used for breast cancer, stomach cancer, or cancers at the gastroesophageal junction. The risk of cardiomyopathy may increase when used in combination with anthracyclines
- Radiation therapy to the chest area, commonly used for breast cancer or leukemia
For this reason, it is crucial for cancer patients to monitor their heart health during and after treatment to prevent more serious complications.
Types of Heart Disorders Caused by Cancer Treatment
Cardiotoxicity resulting from cancer treatment can lead to various heart conditions, including:
- Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disorder)
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
- Fluid buildup around the heart
- Low or high blood pressure
- Abnormally slow heart rate
- Thickening of the heart lining (constrictive pericarditis)
Cardio-Oncology Services at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
To address concerns about heart complications caused by cancer treatment, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers cardio-oncology services supported by an experienced cardiologist, dr. Siti Elkana Nauli, Sp.JP (K).
Cardio-oncology is a medical field focused on helping patients who experience heart problems due to cancer or its treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In managing these conditions, cardiologists work closely with oncologists to handle treatment-related side effects that impact the heart, both during and after cancer therapy.
The goal is to reduce the risk of heart complications so that patients can safely continue the cancer treatments they need, maintain their quality of life, and improve survival outcomes.
Cardio-oncology specialists manage patients who have cancer along with heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors. They also care for patients who develop heart problems after completing cancer treatment.
A cardio-oncology specialist can help patients who:
- Are about to start cancer treatment and have one or more cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Are about to start cancer treatment and already have a history of heart disease
- Are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy and begin to experience symptoms of heart problems, such as swelling (edema), fatigue, chest pain, or heart rhythm disturbances
- Previously underwent cancer treatment and are now experiencing new heart problems
- Have heart complications due to cancer therapy and require further treatment, such as heart surgery or other interventions
- Have tumors affecting the heart
Profile and Practice Schedule of dr. Siti Elkana Nauli, Sp.JP (K) at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
dr. Siti Elkana Nauli, Sp.JP (K) is a consultant cardiologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. She completed her general medical education at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia and continued her cardiology specialization at the same institution. To further enhance her expertise in cardiac imaging, she also completed a fellowship in echocardiography at Universitas 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, and is part of the Pulmonary Hypertension Working Group and the Indonesian Heart Failure and Cardiometabolic Working Group. Internationally, she is recognized as a Fellow of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology and serves as a board member of the Asian Society of Cardiology and the World Heart Failure Society.
At Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, dr. Siti provides comprehensive cardiac evaluation and treatment services. These include advanced imaging such as Cardiac MRI, Cardiac CT, and Cardiac Nuclear, as well as diagnostic and interventional procedures such as coronary angiography and Cath Lab procedures. She also performs supporting examinations such as echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). In addition, she offers comprehensive cardiac consultations, including procedures such as cardioversion and electrophysiological studies to assist in diagnosing and managing heart rhythm disorders.
Practice schedule of dr. Siti Elkana Nauli, Sp.JP (K) at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital:
- Monday: 16:30 – 18:30 WIB
- Wednesday: 16:30 – 18:30 WIB
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application available on Google Play and the App Store to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access other important information.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general reference only and does not represent the full scope of medical services offered by each doctor. To ensure appropriate treatment based on your condition, it is recommended to consult directly with a healthcare professional.
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