When facing cancer, patients and their doctors focus on beating the disease. But what happens when the very treatments that save lives also put the heart at risk?
That’s where Tara Jarreau, MD, Baton Rouge’s leading cardio-oncologist with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute and Our Lady of the Lake Heart & Vascular Institute, steps in.
“Our goal is to allow patients to continue their life-prolonging chemotherapy for as long as possible,” Dr. Jarreau explains. “Having a cardiologist as part of the cancer care team means we can protect the heart while treating the cancer.”
At Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, a multidisciplinary team — including oncologists, cardiologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons — works together to deliver the most advanced, coordinated care for cancer patients close to home.
The Hidden Impact of Cancer Treatment on the Heart
Certain cancer treatments — especially chemotherapy and immunotherapy — can be toxic to the heart. This is particularly true for breast cancer patients receiving HER2-targeted therapies or those undergoing radiation to the chest. Even newer immunotherapies, which are revolutionizing cancer care, come with risks.
“The cardiac toxicity of immunotherapy is about 1%, which doesn’t sound like much — until you consider that nearly 50% of all cancer patients could receive these treatments,” Dr. Jarreau says. “If immunotherapy causes myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, the mortality rate is 50%. That’s why monitoring is so critical.”
How Cardio-Oncology Keeps Patients on Treatment Longer
At Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, cardio-oncology is a key part of comprehensive cancer care. Dr. Jarreau uses advanced cardiac imaging, including strain imaging, to detect heart complications before they become serious.
“Strain imaging allows us to predict who might develop heart issues early, so we can step in with preventive treatments,” she explains. “We use blood pressure control, risk factor management and medications to protect the heart — allowing patients to more safely continue their chemotherapy.”
Some patients come to Dr. Jarreau before starting cancer treatment, especially those with pre-existing heart conditions. Others are referred when they experience side effects, such as heart rhythm problems or even heart attacks triggered by chemotherapy.
“We work closely with oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons,” she says. “It’s a true team approach, making sure every decision balances fighting cancer and protecting the heart.”
Excellence in Care: A Rare Specialty in a Leading Cancer Center
Cardio-oncology is an emerging field, and Dr. Jarreau is one of the only specialists in the region. She also stands out as one of just two female cardiologists on the Our Lady of the Lake team — something she says matters in a field where women are often underdiagnosed for heart disease.
“As a female cardiologist, I see firsthand how important it is to raise awareness about heart health, especially for women,” she says. “Some studies even show that outcomes improve when women see female physicians.”
Her expertise and collaboration with the Cancer Institute make a difference for patients both during treatment and later as survivors.
“We don’t just treat breast cancer patients — we monitor and care for patients across all types of cancer,” she says. “Having cardio-oncology expertise on-site means patients don’t have to choose between their heart and their cancer treatment.”
As cancer survival rates improve, more patients develop heart disease years after treatment. With the right monitoring and care, cancer survivors can maintain their heart health and quality of life long-term.
When Should You See a Cardiologist?
Even for those without cancer, heart health should be a priority. Dr. Jarreau recommends seeing a cardiologist if you have:
- A family history of heart disease
- Risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking
- Unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain
“Prevention is key,” she says. “Daily exercise, a healthy diet and not smoking are some of the best things you can do for your heart.”
At Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, excellence in care means treating the whole patient — not just their cancer, but their heart and overall health. With one of the only cardio-oncologists in the region, patients in Baton Rouge don’t have to travel far for the most advanced heart and cancer care — delivered together in one place.
