Cardio Oncology support services at The Christ Hospital

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Cardio-Oncology Clinic

Patients with cancer and cancer survivors may need extra attention to their heart and blood vessels during their treatment journey. The Christ Hospital Cardio-Oncology Clinic is dedicated to making sure cardiovascular problems do not limit a patient's cancer treatment options, while also helping them live longer, more active lives as cancer survivors.

The Cardio-Oncology Clinic specializes in preventing, managing, and treating heart and vascular problems in patients who are receiving or have completed cancer treatment. Our Cardio-Oncologists work closely with your cancer care team to coordinate care with as little disruption to your cancer treatment plan as possible.

The Christ Hospital Cardio-Oncology Clinic approaches your care as a true team effort:

  • Your oncologist focuses on treating the cancer.

  • Your Cardio-Oncologists focus on caring for your heart and blood vessels.

  • You focus on getting better.

​Our Cardio-Oncology Clinic has been serving Greater Cincinnati since 2016, making it the first of its kind in the region for adult patients with cancer. The International Cardio-Oncology Society designated the clinic as a Global Centers of Excellence Location in recognition of superior quality of care.

Is the Cardio-Oncology Clinic right for you?

You may benefit from The Christ Hospital Cardio-Oncology Clinic if you:

  • ​Are receiving chemotherapy or another type of cancer treatment that increases your risk of developing heart disease

  • Have been diagnosed with a cancer known to cause heart issues

  • Have cancer and pre-existing heart disease

  • Have cancer plus risk factors for heart disease such as diabetes, a history of smoking or high blood pressure

  • Are a cancer survivor, especially of childhood cancer.

​Call 513-206-1061 to schedule an appointment with one of our Cardio-Oncology experts or click or tap ​here to schedule your appointment online.

VIDEO: What types of patients see a Cardio-Oncologist?

​​What is Cardio-Oncology?

Cardio-Oncology is a specialty that protects your heart before, during and after cancer treatment. The Christ Hospital Cardio-Oncology team monitors and treats heart and vascular conditions in collaboration with your cancer team.

​Our shared goal is to prevent problems before they happen and to provide customized treatment as needed. Some of the conditions that we screen for and treat include:

  • Blood clots

  • Heart function problems (cardiotoxicity)

  • Heart artery blockage (coronary artery disease)

  • Heart failure

  • Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)

  • High blood pressure

  • Stroke

  • Valve disease

  • Weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).​

​ What is cardiotoxicity?

Cardiotoxicity describes heart complications that can sometimes result from cancer treatment. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are very effective at destroying cancer cells but can also affect healthy cells and tissue.

In some patients, this can lead to heart disease or make existing heart problems worse. Newer therapies, such as immune treatments, can cause rare but serious problems in the heart and blood vessels.

Fortunately, many heart and vascular issues that arise from cancer treatment are treatable and even preventable. Collaboration between Cardio-Oncology and cancer specialists can help you complete your recommended care plan and maintain heart and vascular health.

Some patients benefit from ongoing care long after cancer treatment. Cancer survivors are often at higher risk for heart disease as they age. Earlier attention can protect your heart, prevent heart attacks and strokes, and improve quality of life.

Specialized care within the Cardio-Oncology Clinic

Your needs are unique. Your treatment should be, too. Your Cardio-Oncologist will create a comprehensive treatment plan for you. This may include diagnostic testing such as echocardiography (an imaging test to view the heart's structures).

Our staff will help you schedule any tests you need. They will also communicate your results back to your oncologist and answer your questions about the process.

The Cardio-Oncology Clinic offers these specialized programs as part of our commitment to providing comprehensive care to cancer patients and survivors:

  • Amyloidosis Clinic: We offer the only clinic in our region for people who develop amyloidosis, a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid. It can cause heart muscle and other organs to stiffen. It can lead to heart rhythm disorders, heart failure, and other complications when not treated.

  • Care for cancer patients and survivors with advanced heart failure

  • Cancer-oncology survivorship group at The Christ Hospital Cancer Center

VIDEO: How does the Cardio-Oncology Clinic work?

​​Why trust your Cardio-Oncology care to The Christ Hospital?

The Christ Hospital Cardio-Oncology Clinic provides advanced cardiovascular care from the experts at the area's most comprehensive and advanced heart and vascular program.

Our team cares for cancer patients and survivors in a welcoming, healing environment. Our clinical director, Thomas Murtaugh, MD, MBA, FACC, is one of the first 40 doctors in the U.S. to be board certified with the International Ca​rdio-Oncology Society.

Our Cardio-Oncologists offer clinic appointments throughout Greater Cincinnati, Southeastern Indiana and Southwestern and Central Ohio. This convenient access saves time and energy.

This is especially important during cancer treatment. Some patients can even see our providers remotely through virtual care or telehealth visits.​​

Your​ Care Team

Ankit K. Bhatia, MD

Advanced Heart Failure / Transplant / Cardiovascular Disease
Locations and Contact Info

Santosh G. Menon, MD

Advanced Heart Failure / Transplant / Cardiovascular Disease
Locations and Contact Info

Thomas I. Murtaugh, MD

Cardiovascular Disease
Locations and Contact Info

​​Schedule an appointment

​Our Cardio-Oncology physicians see patients at multiple locations throughout Greater Cincinnati, Southeastern Indiana and Southwestern and Central Ohio.

​For more information, to make an appointment or to refer a patient, call 513-206-1061 or click or tap here to schedule an appointment online.