Heart health for stage 4

[valleygirl]

Hello,
What do you stage 4 ladies do to keep your heart healthy? I've been stage 4 for 2 years and worry about the damage Herceptin and perjeta is doing to my heart. My echos run about 52. Want to be in this for the long hull

[SoCalGal]

There are numerous studies, to show benefits of coQ10 for heart health. I take Ubiquinol from Douglas Laboratories. I cut and paste some links below. I'm 9 years stage 4.

http://www.douglaslabs.com/ubiquinol-qh.html
"Ubiquinol-QH is a softgel containing 100 mg of natural ubiquinol in a patented, naturally self-assembling nano-colloid system called VESIsorb® technology for enhanced absorption. Ubiquinol is the biologically reduced form of ubiquinone, also known as coenzyme Q10. Ubiquinol may be of special importance for older adults looking to support healthy aging and cardiovascular function.†"

Here's one study from a doc I know and love:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15911925

Coenzyme q10 for prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.
Conklin KA1.
Author information
1Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1778, USA. kconklin@mednet.ucla.edu
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity can be prevented by administering coenzyme Q10 during cancer chemotherapy that includes drugs such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin. Studies further suggest that coenzyme Q10 does not interfere with the antineoplastic action of anthracyclines and might even enhance their anticancer effects. Preventing cardiotoxicity might allow for escalation of the anthracycline dose, which would further enhance the anticancer effects. Based on clinical investigation, although limited, a cumulative dose of doxorubicin of up to 900 mg/m2, and possibly higher, can be administered safely during chemotherapy as long as coenzyme Q10 is administered concurrently. The etiology of the dose-limiting cardiomyopathy that is induced by anthracyclines can be explained by irreversible damage to heart cell mitochondria, which differ from mitochondria of other cells in that they possess a unique enzyme on the inner mitochondrial membrane. This enzyme reduces anthracyclines to their semiquinones, resulting in severe oxidative stress, disruption of mitochondrial energetics, and irreversible damage to mitochondrial DNA. Damage to mitochondrial DNA blocks the regenerative capability of the organelle and ultimately leads to apoptosis or necrosis of myocytes. Coenzyme Q10, an essential component of the electron transport system and a potent intracellular antioxidant, appears to prevent damage to the mitochondria of the heart, thus preventing the development of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy.

[Pamelamary]

I don't like to add further medication till I have to - so just healthy eating and quite a bit of exercise. I seem to average about 55, so the onc is happy.
Regards...... Pam

[bluequest]

Hello,
I am in this since april 2014. My heart does 51% on the scale. My oncologist says that is fine. I am though very happy that I found your question and the response from SoCalGal! I am going to look into the suggestions you?
Claudia

[Whonoze]

I walk every other day. It really seems to keep it high.

[Colleen]

Being a stage IV thriver I exercise like crazy! Swim 2+ miles four days (or more) per week, yoga three days a week, cycle 20+ miles 2-3 days a week especially on hercepton/perjeta infusion days (love the looks I get from my oncologist's staff when I walk in with my bike on my shoulder). My echo has remained at 60-65 since my baseline echo in November of 2013.

[valleygirl]

Colleen, you're amazing! after working 8 hours I'm done.