Breast Cancer and Heart Failure

Abstract

Heart failure and breast cancer have shared risks and morbidities. Multimodality therapies for breast cancer, including conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapeutics, radiation therapy, and hormonal agents, may make patients more susceptible to asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction and clinical heart failure during and after treatment. New or preexisting left ventricular dysfunction may lead to interruptions in cancer treatment and limit options of breast cancer systemic therapy, leading to adverse outcomes. Early recognition and management of cardiovascular risk factors before, during, and after cancer treatment are of utmost importance. This review presents advances, challenges, and opportunities for cardiovascular care in contemporary breast cancer treatment.

Keywords: Anthracyclines; Cardiotoxicity; Trastuzumab.