Cardio-Oncology Program

Life-saving cancer treatment can be hard on your heart. Our Cardio-Oncology Program provides care at the intersection of heart disease and cancer. Led by one of the only board-certified cardio-oncologists in the world, we work to prevent, treat and even reverse heart damage caused by cancer treatment.

What is Cardio-Oncology?

Cardio-Oncology is an emerging field of medicine focused on preventing and minimizing heart risks associated with your cancer treatment. Our program is one of only a handful in the State of Florida. 

Studies have shown more than 30% of all cancer patients develop some degree of heart complications. Unexpected heart damage and worsening heart disease can in turn disrupt your cancer care. By monitoring your heart before, during and after your treatment, we aim to: 

  • Identify any cardiotoxic (toxic to the heart) side effects of your cancer treatment early

  • Prevent, reduce and even reverse possible damage to your heart

  • Eliminate heart disease as a barrier for effective cancer treatment

  • Prevent disruptions to your cancer care

  • Keep your heart healthy long after your cancer treatment

Your Cardio-Oncology Care Team

Your highly specialized cardio-oncology care team will include: 

  • Dr. Hussein Rayatzadeh, Medical Director of the Cardio-Oncology Program, board-certified cardio-oncologist, cardiologist and cardiac imaging specialist

  • Dr. Gregory Hartlage, board-certified cardiologist and cardiac imaging specialist

  • Our nationally-recognized sonography team

  • Specialized nurse practitioners, nurses and support team

Why Choose SMG for Cardio-Oncology Care? 

Our Medical Director, Dr. Hussein Rayatzadeh, is one of 120 board-certified cardio-oncologists in the world bringing the most specialized care available anywhere right here to Tallahassee.

Your highly-skilled care team will use the most advanced cardiac imaging technology available to monitor your heart throughout your treatment, including: 

  • Cardiac biomarkers

  • Cardiac MRI

  • Echocardiography

  • 3D echocardiography with strain imaging

Together, your heart and cancer teams will tailor collaborative treatment plans to meet your specific needs. If you end up needing advanced heart intervention, you’ll already be in the right place. Our physicians perform more advanced procedures and clinical research than any others in North Florida and South Georgia.  

Who Can Benefit? 

You may be a candidate for our Cardio-Oncology Program if: 

  • You had a heart condition before being diagnosed with cancer.

  • You have been diagnosed with cancer and are receiving treatment that could damage your heart.

  • You were diagnosed with a heart condition during or after treatment for cancer.

  • You are a cancer survivor who received treatments that can damage the heart, even as early as in childhood.

How Do I Schedule a Cardio-Oncology Appointment? 

Patients who receive their cancer care through TMH will automatically be screened and referred to the Cardio-Oncology program as appropriate. 

If you think you’re a candidate for the program but are not currently receiving cancer care through TMH, speak with your provider to be referred to the program. You can also contact Dr. Rayatzadeh and Dr. Hartlage's practice, at 850-216-0100.