Cancer is not just a killer, it also risks the heart, according to a new study.
Rajdeep Khattar, one of the lead researchers of the study from the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, said that the findings raise the possibility that cancer itself and not just the drugs used to treat it may have an adverse impact on heart function, the Daily Express reports.
Khattar added that although a relatively small scale study, the results show that more research is now needed to further investigate this link, noting that if proven, it could change the way cancer patients are cared for in the future with regards to protecting their heart health.
He said that the findings could demonstrate a need for that to change because those with reduced strain may benefit from closer monitoring of their heart function.
Researchers said some cancer patients may need closer monitoring and treatment to reduce the damage to their hearts before, during and after cancer treatment.
The study has been presented at the EuroEcho-Imaging 2015 conference in Seville.