Radiation associated valvular disease

  I have just been diagnosed with radiation associated valvular disease.  I was treated for Hodgkins disease 18yrs ago with radiation to my left side of chest and chemo.  I am looking for info on this valve disease and would appreciate any help that you can give me.  Thank you.

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

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Dear Valarie
Radiation, especially as it was used 10 to 20 years ago, can lead to heart valve damage such as leaking of the valve. This may require surgery to fix the valve, if the damage is significant. In addition, radiation can cause coronary artery narrowings and blockages, potentially also requiring a cardiac catheterization and surgery. Open heart surgery in patients who have had radiation can be difficult, as they often have lots of scar tissue that the surgeon must tackle. An experienced cardiologist and cardiac surgeon at a reputable medical center are critical.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.