Signs and Symptoms

In most cases of cardiotoxicity from HER2-targeted therapies, a decline in heart function will be found during routine monitoring with the patient having no symptoms or vague symptoms, such as fatigue. In some cases, however, the decrease in heart function will be accompanied by symptoms of heart failure.

In heart failure, the heart isn't pumping as well as it should, which leads to fluid buildup in the lungs and eventually in the legs. Patients may experience:

• Shortness of breath, especially with exertion.
• Swelling of the ankles, legs and sometimes abdomen.
• Chest pressure or shortness of breath when lying flat.
• Waking up with severe shortness of breath.
• Rapid changes in weight.
• Heart palpitations.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Decreased appetite.
• Nausea.

If you develop any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor at once.