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Has anyone suffered heart issues while on treatment?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lee, MA

Has anyone suffered heart issues while on treatment? I went from sporadic AFiB before induction, to 20% during treatment and 100% while on maintenance- all within 3 yrs. I’ve read pretty much all the VRd drugs may aggravate the condition, somewhat common. For what it’s worth, the newly FDA approved Pulsed-Field Ablation (PFA) procedure is great!!! Instead of heat or cold, it uses short, high-energy electrical pulses to destroy targeted, misfiring heart tissue, all the while improving safety by… read more

March 26 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members openly discussed heart complications experienced during multiple myeloma treatment, with several sharing how drugs like Kyprolis,... Read more

Members openly discussed heart complications experienced during multiple myeloma treatment, with several sharing how drugs like Kyprolis, Revlimid, and Pomalyst contributed to atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, reduced ejection fractions, and valve issues requiring careful monitoring and medication adjustments. Many members enthusiastically recommended the newly FDA-approved Pulsed Field Ablation procedure for treating AFib, describing it as a game-changer that uses precise electrical pulses instead of heat or cold, significantly reduces procedure time, and offers faster recovery with fewer side effects, though they emphasized it treats rather than cures AFib. A recurring theme was the importance of working with experienced electrophysiologists, staying vigilant about monitoring heart function and electrolyte levels, and maintaining open communication with medical teams to balance cancer treatment effectiveness against potentially serious cardiac side effects.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Paula, My husband has LEFT Bundle Branch Block. Potassium is measured when you have a complete metabolic panel blood test. Low magnesium and low vitamin d, common in MM patients, may affect heart function as well.

March 27
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I have not had any MM treatment as I am only MGUS currently, but I do have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an implanted defibrillator/pacemaker, have suffered from arrhythmias, AFib w/RVR included, and finally got a PFA in Nov 2024.

I had to stay in the hospital for a week due to complications from anesthesia, breathing issues, and low blood pressure. Now that I've gone through the healing phase, and am roughly 16 months out from the ablation, I haven't had AFib and feel much better in that respect.

To anyone that qualifies and has issues with AFib or other rhythm issues, I highly recommend a PFA if medication doesn't do the trick!

I have been told about the effects of MM treatment on your heart, and was told to make sure if I ever need it to let my doctor know about my heart condition. I have received fluids, dexamethasone and other steroids along with treatment for anemia, and my heart doesn't like it. It's almost like congestive heart failure, fluid overload, and causes palpitations and flutters.

Here's hoping you stay AFib and no heart meds free! :-)

March 26
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

@A MyMyelomaTeam Member,
The first time my D3 and B12 were tested, both were below normal. I learned during Covid that over 80% of people are deficient in D3, which helps the immune system. That’s when I started taking it every day. I had a serious case of Covid. Had a heart attack a year later.
Paula🌹

March 28
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thanks to everyone for their kind words. I would like to state what my husband’s doctor said. He told us his Mother had a Pulse FieldAblation and she likes to tell everyone that her son, the electrophysiologist, cured her, but he has to correct her by saying AFIB is treatable but not curable, kind of like MM. It can came back which means once you have afib, you’re an afib-er for life and need to monitor. My husband does not feel/know when he’s in a-fib and that is true for a lot of people.

March 27
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I love these success stories. I'm so glad they have this ablation for a fib. Patients don't have to live on blood thinners. Like myeloma, heart problems are very treatable. My husband had a successful mitral valve replacement a couple of years ago and is doing well. 🥰

March 27

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