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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Afib and Chemotherapy
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
Afib and Chemotherapy
by Ellen, Oct 07, 1999 12:00AM
My father-in-law is 82 with a history of Afib, the last episode two years ago. He eventually converted after several weeks. He also had congestive heart failure last year and underwent angioplasty which was successful. Since then he has been enjoying cardiac rehabilition and seemed well until a suspicous chest x-ray and subsquent biopsy confirmed lung cancer. He decided to give Chemotherapy a try and has recieved two doses of 10cc of navelbine. Four days ago he went into Afib. Heart rate averages 120 and irregular. We called the oncologist who said it could be chemo related and drink lots of water and call back in 24 hours. 24 hours later, we called back and were seen by the Onc. They ran a heart strip and confirmed Afib or Aflutter? Several conversations later with oncologist and cardiologist, they decided to start him on Digoxin to slow the beat and hope he converts on his own. Yesterday, I called the cardiologist to try to ascertain what if anything we can do for him. He is depressed and does not leave his recliner. Not eating a lot and not interested in anything. Today, his heart rate is around 95, but very very irregular. Okay, my Question....Should I press the cardiologist to do more? Is there a bigger picture that they see and I don't? Is it safe to let him go another week until his next chemo treatment.? I am frustrated and only looking for guidance. - Thanks Ellen
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD JMF, Oct 08, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Ellen,
This may only be a transient response to the chemotherapy and perhaps this is the reason that the cardiologist has decide to rate control your father. This plan sounds resonable in view of the other medical conditions that your father has. Dig is a safe alternative and your fathers condition can be monitored through chemo. once chemo is finished, rhythm issues can be re- assessed.
This may only be a transient response to the chemotherapy and perhaps this is the reason that the cardiologist has decide to rate control your father. This plan sounds resonable in view of the other medical conditions that your father has. Dig is a safe alternative and your fathers condition can be monitored through chemo. once chemo is finished, rhythm issues can be re- assessed.
