Electrophysiologic Complications in Cancer Patients

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2019 Oct-Dec;15(4):282-288. doi: 10.14797/mdcj-15-4-282.

Abstract

In recent years, dramatic advances in both cancer diagnosis and treatment have led to significantly increased survival rates. As such, cardiovascular toxicities due to oncologic treatments are more frequently identified. Although heart failure and cardiomyopathy have historically been the cardiotoxicities most associated with cancer therapeutics, it is now recognized that all components of the cardiovascular system can be affected. In this review, we discuss electrophysiologic complications of cancer treatments, including atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias as well as bradyarrhythmias, and recommend a multidisciplinary approach with both cardiologists and oncologists to provide safe and effective care to these patients.

Keywords: atrial arrhythmias; bradyarrhythmias; cardio-oncology; cardiotoxicity; ventricular arrhythmias.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / chemically induced*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / diagnosis
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / therapy
  • Cardiotoxicity
  • Heart Conduction System / drug effects*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology
  • Heart Rate / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents