UConn Health has begun tracking cancer patients with an advanced heart imaging test before, during, and after chemotherapy and radiation therapy care, with the goal of detecting any potential cardiac health risks or conditions early.<\/p>\n
There are currently more than 15 million cancer survivors in the U.S., and that number is expected to grow to 20 million within 10 years. But as more patients survive cancer, the potential risk of developing cardiovascular health issues from lifesaving chemotherapy and radiation treatments is also increasing.<\/p>\n
New echocardiography strain imaging is now allowing cardiologists to hunt for any early warning signs of heart muscle function changes or damage within the heart tissue\u2019s tiny speckles. The in-depth strain analysis is powered by traditional ultrasound technology, which uses high-frequency soundwaves to create a sonogram of the pumping heart.<\/p>\n
\nEcho strain imaging has been compared to a canary in the coal mine. — Dr. Agnes Kim<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
On a subclinical level, before any symptoms even present, echo strain imaging allows a cardiologist to identify any potential impact of cancer treatment on the heart\u2019s left ventricular function, the thickest heart chamber, that controls the pumping of oxygenated blood throughout the body. If the left ventricle does not function well, it can lead to heart failure.<\/p>\n