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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
heart palpitations/herceptin
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
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heart palpitations/herceptin
by NieceLynn, Oct 15, 2005 12:00AM
Hello-I received my first loading dose of herceptin. (I also had a mini port put in on that same day in the am.) When I stood up after the infusion, my heart had a big flutter and the fluttering continued off and on for 2 days following the infusion along with an irregular beat that didn't last more than 30 seconds. I had no other symptoms. A Dr. on call suggested that I go for an EKG. EKG, bloodwork and chest x-ray all turned out fine. (Also, my heart echo before herceptin, was 55-60% (finished A/C in July).) WAS THE HEART FLUTTERING AND BEAT IRREGULARITIES CONNECTED TO THE HERCEPTIN? WHY OR WHY NOT? SHOULD I BE CONCERNED? My next infusion will be on this coming Tuesday. Also, should I be on a blood thinner for the port? (I am on no other drugs, except I will be on tamoxifen.) I can't THANK YOU enough for your help! ( I am 36, had early stage bc,clinically node negative, Her2 +)
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Oct 18, 2005 12:00AM
Dear NieceLynn: Without evaluating you and reviewing your cardiac status, we cannot say whether the heart fluttering was or was not related to the herceptin. You might let your regular doctor know what has happened so that you can be closely monitored in the future. In most cases, if there is no history of clotting problems, there is no need for a systemic blood thinner with a port.
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