Surgeon Q&A: Radiation Associated Heart Valve Disease with Dr. Douglas Johnston

While the treatment of various cancers using radiation therapy for conditions including Hodgkin’s disease is regarded as a “medical miracle”, patients are often unaware that radiation can negatively impact organs including the heart, the lungs and the esophagus. Specific to the heart, there is a strong association among radiation therapy and heart valve disease, coronary artery disorders, ascending aorta defects and pericardium issues.