Aa
Heart pain during chemotherapy
Background: I am 46, and have stage 1C ovarian cancer (very small neoplasm that was removed). I had a staging and hysterectomy on 11/18, and started chemotherapy on 12/23. I am on round three of chemotherapy (carboplatinum and taxol taken in 3 week cycles). I have been told I have an excellent prognosis
Medications; I take OxyContin for pain, and Xanax for anxiety. The Oxycontin is for severe muscle aches in my legs and arms in the 3-5 days following chemotherapy, and i take it periodicallly in very small dosages (.05 a day) in the second week for pain. I am also on estrodil .05.
Problem: Following a chemotherapy session, I have chest pressure and pain (center of chest). I also have pressure in my abdomen. It has become difficult to even wear a bra.
Sometimes, I hear 'gurgling in the chest.
I even went to the ER during my second session because I thought I was having a heart attack, but had a normal EKG and X-ray.
Could I be developing heart problems because of chemotherapy? I have never previously had any heart problems, and have normal blood pressure.
Medications; I take OxyContin for pain, and Xanax for anxiety. The Oxycontin is for severe muscle aches in my legs and arms in the 3-5 days following chemotherapy, and i take it periodicallly in very small dosages (.05 a day) in the second week for pain. I am also on estrodil .05.
Problem: Following a chemotherapy session, I have chest pressure and pain (center of chest). I also have pressure in my abdomen. It has become difficult to even wear a bra.
Sometimes, I hear 'gurgling in the chest.
I even went to the ER during my second session because I thought I was having a heart attack, but had a normal EKG and X-ray.
Could I be developing heart problems because of chemotherapy? I have never previously had any heart problems, and have normal blood pressure.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I am sorry but I just found your question. I think you should have an echocardiogram as the chemotherapy drugs can occasionally effect your heart function.
I don't recognize your name but have you been to the OVCA board here on MedHelp? A very excellent group of women that have years of experience dealing with this. I imagine each person is different (duh) but I do know a couple of women that went through chemo and ended up with heart problems. It probably depends on the specific chemo drugs used and for how long. Since your symptoms seem to be occurring soon after a treatment, it may just be one of those "side effects". I'm glad to see the EKG and x-ray came back normal. You could ask about having an echo done to check all your valves and heart muscle. Definitely keep an eye on it and ask your oncologist what s/he thinks. Take care. (I go for my surgery next week. Gotta get that ovary out :-) Wish me luck)
You are reading content posted in the Interventional Cardiology Forum
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.
