It's very common to hear phrases like these in cardiology consultations: "I have a family history of heart disease because my grandfather had a heart attack at 82." "My father had heart problems in his 80s, so I'm at risk too." While this concern is completely understandable, it's important to clarify that not all family histories...
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained heart arrhythmia in adults. It occurs when the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, lose their normal electrical rhythm and begin to fire rapidly and erratically. As a result, the heart beats irregularly and, sometimes, too fast. This can lead to...
Discover what science says about the relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular health, how it influences the heart, and why maintaining adequate levels can make all the difference. Cardiovascular health isn't solely dependent on cholesterol, weight, or blood pressure. Today we know that the functioning of the heart and...
Infective endocarditis is a rare but potentially serious disease that affects the inner lining of the heart and its valves. Therefore, preventing infective endocarditis plays a crucial role: although uncommon, it can lead to severe complications such as valve damage, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and even death. And the good news...
Lipoprotein(a), abbreviated as Lp(a), is a particle that circulates in the blood and transports cholesterol. In recent years, it has been recognized as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, meaning that it can increase the risk of heart and artery disease even when other values, such as LDL cholesterol, are normal.
What is syncope? Syncope, commonly known as fainting or lightheadedness, is a transient loss of consciousness, with a sudden onset and complete spontaneous recovery. It is characterized by a momentary inability to stand and is usually preceded by symptoms such as: In most cases, the person regains consciousness within...
Following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), secondary prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) becomes a fundamental pillar of treatment. Adherence to medication, along with gradual lifestyle modifications, are essential strategies for protecting the heart muscle and improving hemodynamic function. More...
New percutaneous techniques in cardiology are revolutionizing the way we treat heart disease. Unlike traditional surgery, which requires a large incision in the chest to access the heart, these procedures use a much smaller access route and are therefore less invasive. The word "percutaneous" means...
Cardiology is a constantly evolving field, and diagnostics is no exception. Technological advances and ongoing research are transforming the way we identify and characterize heart disease, resulting in more precise and personalized care for our patients. Below is an overview of...
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia in clinical practice. It is characterized by chaotic electrical activation of the atria with frequencies above 300 beats per minute and variable heart rates depending on the response of the ventricles, although they are generally high (between 130 and 180 beats per minute).
