Cancer treatments can often have unintended effects on the heart, making cardiovascular health an important consideration for patients undergoing therapy. Archbold Hospitals in Thomasville, Georgia, is working to address this issue by integrating cardiology and oncology care through its cardio-oncology program.
Cardio-oncology is a field that aims to prevent, monitor, and treat heart-related side effects from cancer therapies. Some treatments can affect the strength of the heart muscle, alter heart rhythms, or impact blood vessels. These complications may arise during treatment or appear months or years later.
“Cancer therapies have advanced tremendously, but some can impact the heart in ways we need to anticipate and manage,” said Kashyap Choksi, MD, PhD, a cardiologist at Archbold. “Cardio-oncology allows us to stay one step ahead, identifying potential risks early and protecting heart function throughout treatment.”
According to Dr. Choksi, this approach helps patients complete their cancer therapy while reducing long-term cardiovascular complications. The effect of cancer treatment on the heart varies depending on the type of therapy and a patient’s overall health profile.
“Every patient’s situation is unique,” said Sheetal L. Higbee, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at Archbold Cancer Center. “That’s why collaboration is so important. When cardiology and oncology work together, we can tailor treatment plans that address cancer effectively while keeping heart health front and center.”
Patients with existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may particularly benefit from this combined oversight.
At Archbold Hospitals, cardio-oncology is not offered as a separate service but as part of an integrated partnership between specialists. Cardiologists and oncologists communicate regularly about each patient’s status to review imaging results and adjust treatments when needed.
“Our goal is balance,” Dr. Choksi said. “We want patients to receive the most effective cancer treatment possible while minimizing stress on the heart. That often means monitoring heart function closely and intervening early if we see issues that need to be addressed.”
This model helps prevent interruptions in cancer care due to cardiac concerns and offers additional support during what can be a difficult period for patients.
Heart health remains important after completing cancer therapy because some cardiac side effects may develop later. Ongoing follow-up plays a key role in maintaining quality of life for survivors.
“Survivorship is a big part of the conversation,” Dr. Higbee noted. “At Archbold, we’re not just focused on getting patients through cancer treatment—we’re focused on helping them live well afterward. Protecting heart health plays a major role in quality of life after cancer.”
Patients are encouraged to keep all scheduled appointments—including cardiac checkups—report any new symptoms promptly, remain physically active within medical guidance, manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes carefully, take medications as prescribed, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
“Patients should never hesitate to speak up if something feels off,” Dr. Choksi emphasized. “You should contact your doctor right away if you experience shortness of breath, fatigue that feels different, or swelling. Catching symptoms early allows us to act fast and protect your heart.”
Archbold Hospitals operates as a not-for-profit organization with its flagship campus in Thomasville along with other facilities serving South Georgia and North Florida through its network of hospitals and clinics (official website). The institution provides services including emergency care, surgical procedures, women’s health programs, recovery assistance, wellness initiatives, educational efforts for community health improvement (official website), and maintains recognition among top U.S hospitals (official website).
For those undergoing cancer treatment who have questions about their cardiovascular risks or need specialized support during therapy planning or survivorship phases, Archbold offers access to its cardio-oncology team led by Dr. Choksi.
