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Cardiotoxicity is a common complication of cancer treatment. Several different medications can be prescribed to help alleviate these complications, with specific prescriptions designed to address different cardiotoxic side effects.

The most common medications used for cardiotoxicity treatment include:

  • Beta-blockers, which slow down a patient’s heart rate, lower a patient’s blood pressure and strengthen the heart muscle can reduce palpitations and arrhythmias, hypertension and heart failure
  • ACE inhibitors and angiotensin system inhibitors (ARBs), which lowers a patient’s blood pressure and strengthens the heart muscle, can help to reduce hypertension and heart failure
  • Diuretics help prevent the symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath or swelling by increasing urination to rid the body of excess fluids and make it easier for the heart to pump

Physicians can also prescribe cardioprotective agents to certain patients who have not yet started treatment. There are several different cardioprotective agents that correspond with different chemotherapy drugs; each one targets a different biological response to help reduce the occurrence and severity of heart damage. 

Patients who are experiencing cardiotoxicity as a result of previous cancer treatment can access a number of therapies through Moffitt Cancer Center’s Cardio-Oncology Program, where skilled oncologists and cardiologists work together to manage each patient’s unique symptoms. This advanced program also offers treatments for pre-existing heart conditions that are present at the time of a patient’s diagnosis and could otherwise potentially complicate his or her eligibility for different cancer therapies or clinical trials. No matter the condition a patient is facing, Moffitt’s expert team can provide a comprehensive, long-term treatment plan to improve his or her quality of life.

Referrals are not required to obtain cardiotoxicity treatment through Moffitt's Cardio-Oncology Program. Call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online to request an initial consultation.