Cardiotoxicity

Definition

Cardiotoxicity is the occurrence of heart muscle damage or dysfunction resulting from exposure to toxic substances, including certain antimicrobial drugs. It can lead to serious cardiovascular complications such as arrhythmias and heart failure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Certain antibiotics, like doxorubicin, are known for their potential cardiotoxic effects.
2. Cardiotoxicity can manifest as arrhythmias, myocarditis, or even congestive heart failure.
3. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage are key mechanisms by which cardiotoxicity occurs.
4. Monitoring cardiac function through echocardiograms and biomarkers is crucial during treatment with cardiotoxic drugs.
5. Dose limitation and combination therapies are strategies used to mitigate the risk of cardiotoxicity.

Review Questions

• Which class of antimicrobial drugs is most commonly associated with cardiotoxicity?
• What are two primary mechanisms through which cardiotoxicity occurs?
• Name one method used to monitor cardiac function in patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic drugs.

Related terms

Antibiotic Resistance:

The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of an antibiotic.

Nephrotoxicity: Kidney damage or dysfunction caused by exposure to harmful substances.

Echocardiogram: An imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to create pictures of the heart.