Breast cancer survivors could avoid lifelong heart medication, research suggests
Many breast cancer survivors whose treatment caused them to develop problems with their heart function can safely stop their medication after their heart recovers, and most won't need to continue treatment long term, according to a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich.
A recent study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich suggests that many breast cancer survivors who experienced heart problems due to treatment may be able to safely stop their long-term heart medication once their heart function recovers. The trial involved 90 women, mostly in their 40s and 50s, who had recovered from heart issues caused by a specific type of breast cancer treatment.
The researchers found that 98% of the participants who stopped taking their heart medication had no change in their heart function after one year, with only one woman experiencing a decline in her heart's pumping ability. Additionally, women who discontinued their medication reported a slightly better quality of life at 12 months compared to those who continued taking the medication.
This study, published in the European Heart Journal, offers hope for breast cancer survivors who have faced uncertainty about whether to continue taking heart medication after their cancer treatment.
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