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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + heart failure

People with heart failure can also receive leukaemia treatment; the heart is simply watched more closely.

Last updated: ~1 min read
The heart works as a pump
Figure 1.The heart works as a pump.

01Short answer

Heart failure means the heart does not pump blood strongly enough. Some leukaemia medicines can affect the heart, and intravenous fluids add extra load. That is why a heart test (such as an echocardiogram) is often done before treatment, and the haematologist plans together with a cardiologist.

02Simple explanation

Tell your cardiologist. About leukaemia treatment.

Tell your haematologist. About your heart.

Watch your weight. Each morning if the team asks.

Watch symptoms. Breathlessness and swelling.

03Scientific explanation

Effects on the heart: some treatments (for example anthracyclines) can affect heart muscle; choice and doses are the team’s decision.

Fluid balance: drips and transfusions are given carefully in heart failure.

04What happens in the body?

The heart as a pump

In heart failure the pump is weaker.

Testing

The heart may be checked before and after treatment.

Heart ultrasound
Figure 2.Heart ultrasound — Leukemia + heart failure

Daily weight

A quick rise in weight can mean fluid build-up.

Daily weight
Figure 3.Daily weight — Leukemia + heart failure

05Treatment with heart failure

Four steps.

Weight — Each morning.1WeightEach morning.
Information — Between both doctors.2InformationBetween both doctors.
Tests — As planned.3TestsAs planned.
Symptoms — Breath and swelling.4SymptomsBreath and swelling.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Worsening breathlessnessFluid build-upCall your team
Swollen legsFluid build-upTell your team
Rapid weight gainFluid build-upTell your team

07Key terms

Heart failure
Weak pumping of the heart.
Echocardiogram
Ultrasound of the heart.
Cardiologist
Heart doctor.
Fluid balance
Fluid in versus fluid out.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Record your weight if asked.
  • Do not hide breathlessness.
  • Do not stop heart medicines yourself.
  • Ask your own doctor about salt and fluids.
  • Keep your heart check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Is treatment possible with heart failure?

Often yes, though the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep taking heart medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

Why do they ask my weight?

Weight shows fluid build-up early.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is treatment possible with heart failure?

  2. Should I keep taking heart medicines?

  3. Why do they ask my weight?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Heart Failure
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of comorbidity – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. MedlinePlus. Posaconazole
  5. MedlinePlus. Voriconazole
  6. NHS. Aspergillosis
  7. Macmillan Cancer Support. Nausea and vomiting
  8. Cancer Research UK. Cancer and sickness (nausea)
  9. MedlinePlus. Ondansetron
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Pain (PDQ) – Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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