Cause 7. Radiation and Certain Medications: The Double-Edged Sword
Radiation therapy, while being a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, can have damaging effects on the heart, including causing myocarditis. This is especially relevant for radiation therapies targeting cancers within the chest, where the heart can inadvertently receive radiation.
Radiation-induced myocarditis is typically a result of the heart’s incidental exposure during radiation treatment for cancer. The high-energy radiation beams used in the therapy, while effective at killing cancer cells, can also damage healthy tissues, including the heart muscle. This damage can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to myocarditis.
Similarly, certain medications, while being crucial for treating various conditions, can cause myocarditis as a side effect. This typically includes drugs used for chemotherapy, certain antibiotics, and some psychiatric medications. Regular monitoring during treatment with these drugs can help in early detection and prevention of myocarditis.
The importance of open communication between patients and their healthcare providers is crucial in these scenarios. Discussing potential side effects and risks associated with treatment options can aid in informed decision-making and ensure the implementation of adequate monitoring strategies during treatment. (6)
