Radiation therapy, especially when targeting the left side of the chest, can increase the risk of heart complications. Here are some relevant points from my knowledge base:

- Short-Term Heart Complications: Radiation therapy can lead to short-term pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding Show Full Answer

Radiation therapy, especially when targeting the left side of the chest, can increase the risk of heart complications. Here are some relevant points from my knowledge base:

- Short-Term Heart Complications: Radiation therapy can lead to short-term pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart). Symptoms include chest pain, pain in the left shoulder, back, or neck, difficulty breathing, and heart palpitations.
- Radiation Heart Disease: Higher doses of radiation, particularly on the left side, can increase the risk of heart conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD). In one study, 10.5% of women who received left-sided radiation developed CAD.
- Monitoring and Symptoms: It's crucial to discuss any chest symptoms, including chest pain and palpitations, with your oncologist and healthcare team. They can monitor your heart health and provide appropriate care.

Given your history of leaky heart valves and the worsening symptoms during radiation therapy, it's important to consult your doctor immediately to ensure proper management and care.

 This AI-generated response comes from MyBCTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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