Currently, cancer patients are referred to cardiologists after certain drugs or radiation treatments have weakened their hearts.

The arteries are prone to harden and clog and result in valve or rhythm problems or a heart attack.

But new research from Norway suggests the risks may be lowered in women with breast cancer if they take a heart drug as a preventive measure.

If confirmed in future, wider testing, the findings might improve care not only for breast cancer patients but those being treated for other forms of cancer.

A cardio-oncology specialist at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Bonnie Ky says as cancer patients live longer, the risk of dying from heart problems actually exceeds that of cancer, so it’s important to prevent heart damage.

The findings were discussed Wednesday at an American Heart Association conference in Orlando.