Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Drug-induced cardiovascular side effects have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. The demographic change and improved long-term survival particularly in cancer patients have caused an increasing number of affected patients, hence emphasizing the importance of the best possible treatment of such complications. This article gives an overview of classic and modern groups of substances with cardiotoxic effects and summarizes the principles of diagnostics and therapy. ⋯ In addition to specific cancer therapies, accompanying measures such as blood transfusions in patients with hematologic diseases can also lead to severe cardiovascular complications. In the last section, we classify important features and therapeutic approaches in cardiac involvement of transfusion-related hemochromatosis. A good knowledge of the characteristics of specific cardiovascular side effects can help to improve the management of affected patients.