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Could The A-fib Be A Result Of The Cancer Treatment?
I was just told that I have a-fib. I had a normal EKG a year ago, but also had treatment for breast cancer that included doxarubacin and cytoxin, then taxol, followed by radiation. The cancer was bilateral, and I had lumpectomies. Could the a-fib be a result of the cancer treatment?
Sat, 28 Nov 2015
Yes Treatment for cancer can cause atrial fibrillation .
Ratiation and medication for cancer chemotherapy like Duxoroubicin, Taxal and to less extent other medications are cardio toxic , such that they affect the Heart muscle causing inflammation. When this inflammation subsides there is some residual fibrosis in between the heart muscle . This fibrosis acts as substrate for rhythm disturbances , common among them is a trial fibrillation.
A 2 d echocardiography more precise Cardiac Mri is suggested to know extent of any damage to the heart . In many causes though there is no decrease in pumping of the heart ( mechanical ) , still arrythmia may happen sue to electrical disturbances.
Let me know if any clarification needed.
Regards Dr Priyank Mody
Ratiation and medication for cancer chemotherapy like Duxoroubicin, Taxal and to less extent other medications are cardio toxic , such that they affect the Heart muscle causing inflammation. When this inflammation subsides there is some residual fibrosis in between the heart muscle . This fibrosis acts as substrate for rhythm disturbances , common among them is a trial fibrillation.
A 2 d echocardiography more precise Cardiac Mri is suggested to know extent of any damage to the heart . In many causes though there is no decrease in pumping of the heart ( mechanical ) , still arrythmia may happen sue to electrical disturbances.
Let me know if any clarification needed.
Regards Dr Priyank Mody
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