Effects on the cardiovascular system of irradiation for malignant lymphoma

In 55 patients irradiated for malignant lymphoma the complaints were recorded as well as ECG, blood pressure, exercise test and heart volume before, during and one and 6 months following treatment. ECG abnormalities and fall in blood pressure occurred during treatment. Reduced physical working capacity was found one month after treatment. After 6 months all parameters had returned to pretreatment levels. Attention should be paid to the considerable reduction in blood pressure that does occur in some cases during treatment.