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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + ischemia and heart attack

A past heart attack or coronary heart disease does not rule out leukaemia treatment, but it needs special care.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A narrowed heart artery
Figure 1.A narrowed heart artery.

01Short answer

In coronary heart disease the vessels feeding the heart are narrowed. People often take medicines that thin the blood or act on platelets. In leukaemia platelets can fall, so whether to continue or pause these medicines is decided by the haematologist and cardiologist together.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your heart doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Antithrombotic medicines: combined with low platelets, bleeding risk can rise.

Some targeted medicines can affect blood vessels and the heart, so heart risk is assessed.

04What happens in the body?

Coronary heart disease and leukaemia

People with coronary heart disease can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and coronary heart disease can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

Platelets and a vessel wall
Figure 2.Platelets and a vessel wall.

Two teams together

When your haematologist and heart doctor share information, treatment is safer.

A calm ECG line
Figure 3.A calm ECG line — Leukemia + ischemia and heart attack

05Treatment with coronary heart disease

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Chest pain or pressureHeart problem103/112
Bleeding, bruisingLow platelets plus medicinesCall your team
Sudden breathlessnessHeart problem103/112

07Key terms

Heart attack
Loss of blood flow to part of the heart muscle.
Antithrombotic
A medicine that prevents clots.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I stop my blood thinner?

Not on your own; the doctors decide together.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

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. Should I stop my blood thinner?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Heart Attack
  2. MedlinePlus. Coronary Artery Disease
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of comorbidity – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Pain and Cancer Treatment
  5. Macmillan Cancer Support. Pain
  6. Cancer Research UK. Cancer and pain control
  7. MedlinePlus. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
  8. MedlinePlus. Electrolytes
  9. MedlinePlus. Dehydration
  10. MedlinePlus. IV treatment at home
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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