Symptoms

Symptoms of Radiation-Associated Heart Disease

Symptoms of radiation-associated heart disease will vary. Symptoms depend on the type of heart disease that results from the radiation.

Symptoms can be vague. They can also be similar to symptoms of many other diseases. This can make diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Swelling of legs and ankles
• Feeling tired and weak

You may have a higher risk of developing radiation‐associated heart disease if you:

• Have pre-existing cardiovascular disease
• Had radiation treatment at a young age
• Had higher doses of radiation therapy
• Had a combination of certain types of chemotherapy
• Were treated for breast cancer
• Were treated for Hodgkin lymphoma
• Have high cholesterol
• Have diabetes
• Have a family history of coronary artery disease
• Have a history of smoking