Heart Health
Ask the doctors: Can radiation damage the lungs?
Q. I once had Hodgkin's disease and was cured with radiation to my chest and neck. Now, 30 years later, I have shortness of breath. Is there any way to reverse the radiation damage to my lungs and heart?
A. We are seeing more and more patients whose lives have been extended by cancer treatments, only to suffer late cardiovascular complications. Radiation can damage the lungs, causing stiffness and difficulty absorbing oxygen into the bloodstream. Nothing can undo that damage. Radiation can also accelerate atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries and damage the heart valves. Since shortness of breath is your main issue, narrowing or leaking of one or more heart valves could be the cause. In this case, surgery might help quite a bit.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
