The Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute‘s Cardio-Oncology Program is a team of expert cardiologists working in partnership with oncologists to diagnose and treat heart conditions caused by some cancer treatments.
Our team treats patients at any stage of cancer therapy and beyond, providing comprehensive, coordinated and personalized care so they can live their best lives.
What is Cardio-Oncology?
Cardiovascular complications from cancer therapy have become a leading cause of morbidity and even death for cancer survivors. This is due to a combination of direct cardiotoxicity and also the acceleration of new or preexisting cardiovascular disease, especially in the presence of traditional risk factors.
Despite the known association of cancer treatment and cardiovascular disease, traditionally few patients exhibiting symptoms are referred to a cardiologist or placed on appropriate therapy. Creating this standardized approach allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, and may prevent inappropriate interruption of potentially lifesaving cancer therapy. Our patient-centered approach balances the needs for cancer therapy with a structured, evidence-based approach for reducing cardiac complications.
Who we treat:
- Patients with risk factors for heart disease who are beginning cancer treatment
- Cancer patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease
- Cancer patients who have completed treatment and have risk factors for heart disease
- Patients who develop cardiac side effects from traditional chemotherapy
- Patients who develop cardiac side effects from new targeted therapies
- Patients with prior radiation therapy to the chest or vasculature
- Patients who’ve had hormone therapy such as ovarian suppression or androgen deprivation therapy
Patients with these conditions might benefit from treatment from the program
- Cardiac tumors
- Arrhythmias
- Coronary artery disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Valvular heart disease
- Pericardial disease
Contact Us
For referrals, call 860.972.1788
Our Team