Does sepsis cause heart damage in cancer patients?

It can: Directly by the bacteria that gets into the blood stream which can cause infection in the heart & valves - endocarditis. Indirectly by the circulating "toxins" produced by the bacteria causing the sepsis - heart muscle suppressants, low oxygen levels & low blood pressure ( tissue perfusion ) which can cause heart muscle damage as well as abnormal heart rhythms.

Sometimes: Sepsis has been associated with myocardial depression resulting in progressive shock. This can occur in any pt with severe sepsis . Cancer pts may be at higher risk of sepsis due to immunosuppression with chemotherapy as well as potential cardiac toxicity with some agents. These pts may require pressors and dobutamine.

Yes: There is evidence that the heart can be damaged and not function well in sepsis. Sepsis, in fact, can cause damage to a number of organs: the lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, etc.