Cardio-oncology

If you are a patient who is about to start, currently undergoing or you have received chemotherapy previously, you may be referred for tests that help the cardio-oncology team understand how your heart is functioning. It is important to complete the recommended tests since they will provide information that can be used to best support your treatment. Tests commonly used to check heart health are:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram or ECG assesses the electrical activity in your heart. This provides information on the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat and can help identify abnormal rhythms (which are referred to as arrhythmias). The ECG, which is a non-invasive, painless, and provides information very quickly, involves:

• Attaching small sensor pads called electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs
• The electrodes have wires attaching to an electrocardiogram machine that will record and then print out cardiac electrical activity
• The test is completed within minutes and your cardio-oncology team will then review the results

For more information click here

Echocardiogram (Echo)

Echocardiography, commonly known as an Echo, is an ultrasound that is an easy way for your cardiologist to assess your heart muscle, valves, and large blood vessels. The test, which can take up to 45 minutes, should not cause any pain or discomfort. It involves:

• You lie down on an examination bed
• A thick gel being applied to your chest by the technician that will help get images of your heart
• Placement of a transducer directly over the left side of your chest in the area of your heart
• The technician will press the transducer firmly as they move the transducer and will ask you to hold your breath for a short time
• Results of the echo sent directly to your cardiologist

For more information click here

If you are a patient who is about to start, currently undergoing or you have received radiation therapy previously, you may be referred for tests that help the cardio-oncology team understand how your heart is functioning. It is important to complete the recommended tests since they will provide information that can be used to best support your treatment. Tests commonly used to check heart health are:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram or ECG assesses the electrical activity in your heart. This information gives your team information on the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat and can help identify abnormal rhythms (which are referred to as arrhythmias). The ECG, which is non-invasive, painless and provides information very quickly, involves:

• Attaching small sensor pads called electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs
• The electrodes have wires which are attached to an electrocardiogram machine that will record and then print out cardiac electrical activity
• The test is complete within minutes and your team will then review the results

For more information click here

Echocardiogram (Echo)

Echocardiography, commonly known as an Echo, is an ultrasound that is an easy way for your cardiologist to assess your heart muscle, valves, and large blood vessels. The test, which can take up to 45 minutes, should not cause any pain or discomfort. It involves:

• You lie down on an examination bed
• A thick gel being applied to your chest by the technician that will help get images of your heart
• Placement of a transducer directly over the left side of your chest in the area of your heart
• The technician will press the transducer firmly as they move the transducer and will ask you to hold your breath for a short time
• Results of the echo sent directly to your cardiologist

For more information click here

Computed tomography coronary artery calcium scoring (CAC) / coronary angiography (CTCA)

Both these tests use a computerised tomography (CT) scanner and are able to detect calcification in the heart arteries (commonly referred to  “hardening” of the arteries) and the CTCA, which uses a dye is able to highlight any blockages in the arteries of your heart. The CTCA, which takes about 45 minutes to complete and is painless, involves:

• Monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate, inserting a cannula into a vein in your arm to deliver the ‘contrast dye’, and spraying nitrate under your tongue to help dilate your coronary blood vessels (this is not needed for a CAC score)
• Lying on a bed that slides under the scanning machine
• After the scan is complete, you will be monitored for 15–30 minutes and the cannula will be removed (this is not needed for a CAC score)
• The results will be reviewed by a specialist cardiologist

For more information click here

What signs or symptoms should I be aware of?

If you experience any of the following, please call your doctor or nurse:

What signs or symptoms should I be aware of?

If you experience any of the following, please call your doctor or nurse:

Your doctor will send a referral to our GenesisCare team. This can be completed by your GP, another specialist or made if you are in hospital.

Once we have received your referral, you will be contacted by a member of our patient support team who will confirm the date and time of your first clinic appointment. Before your first appointment, expect to be contacted again by our team via a letter or a phone call to advise you of next steps and any specific information you may need to bring on the day.

It is important for our team to fully understand your health status. Make a list of your current medications and, if you have any previous test result or letters, we ask that you bring these to your first appointment.

If you can, it is a great idea to bring a support person to your appointments. They may be able to help you with understanding the information shared by the doctor, ask questions and make treatment decisions.

Prepare a list of questions for our team before your appointment. Bring these in a notebook so you can record any notes or further questions.

When you arrive, you may be asked to complete patient intake forms by our team. Once these are complete, our team will guide you to an examination room to perform an ECG. You will then meet with your nurse and cardiologist, who will work with you to create your personalised management plan and assist you with any information you may need.

During your visits to our clinics, our cardio-oncology team will provide you with the information needed to help assess and manage your heart health. Our online tools will provide you with additional information and education that you can access when and where it suits you. Clinic nurses are also available between your appointments for any additional questions or concerns you may have.

Mater in Brisbane

Murdoch in Perth

Nedlands in Perth

Joondalup in Perth

Bunbury in Western Australia

St Andrew’s in Adelaide

Ringwood in Melbourne

Berwick in Melbourne

Langwarrin in Melbourne

St Leonards in Sydney