Heart and Healing: Breast Cancer and Heart Health

When you think about breast cancer, do you also think about your heart? 

Many people do not. But research shows that some breast cancer treatments can raise the risk of heart disease. That’s why taking care of your heart before, during, and after treatment is so important.1 

Breast cancer and heart disease actually share many of the same risk factors. These include age (getting older), unhealthy eating, using tobacco or alcohol, being overweight, not exercising/moving enough, and sitting too much.2 It may be surprising, but in older women, risk factors for heart failure—like high blood pressure—are more common than breast cancer coming back.1 

If you or someone you know is going through breast cancer treatment, heart health matters. Here are a few important steps you can take:1

1. 1. Talk with your oncologist (doctor) or care team. Ask how treatments may affect your heart. 
2. Get regular heart checkups. Tests like echocardiograms, EKGs, and blood tests can find heart problems early. 
3. Practice heart-healthy habits. Stay active, such as with walking, yoga, Pilates. Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Find ways to manage stress. 
4. Know the warning signs of heart trouble. Watch for shortness of breath; unusual tiredness; chest pain or discomfort; swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet; or a fast or uneven heartbeat. 

Breast cancer treatment and heart health are closely connected. It’s normal to feel worried. The good news is that there are ways to protect your heart while still getting the best cancer care. By working closely with your health care team, you can lower your risk of heart disease and support better health outcomes during your treatment.2

References

1. 1. SurvivingBreastCancer.org. (2025, August 28). Breast cancer and heart health: The connection you need to know about. Retrieved, December 15, 2025, from https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/post/breast-cancer-and-heart-health
   2. Mehta, L. S., Watson, K. E., Barac, A., Beckie, T. M., Bittner, V., Cruz-Flores, S., Dent, S., Kondapalli, L., Ky, B., Okwuosa, T., Piña, I. L., & Volgman, A. S. (2018). Cardiovascular disease and breast cancer: Where these entities intersect: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 137(8). https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000556