An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound of the heart. It does not “tell” the future, but it does answer key questions: how is the pumping force, how are the valves, are there changes in the size of the heart, and are there findings that explain symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness or swelling. The problem is that the report [...].
Echocardiogram: what does it evaluate and how to read common results? Read More "
When someone hears “heart tests are needed,” the same question almost always comes up: “which one do I need and why? It is not the same to look for an arrhythmia as to evaluate the heart's pumping or to see how it responds to exercise. This guide helps you to understand, in clear language, what each test is for and how to perform it.
What test do I need? ECG, Holter, Echo or Stress Test. Read More "
If you smoke (or smoked) and are concerned about your heart, there is a useful truth: quitting smoking improves cardiovascular risk faster than people think. It's not “just” cancer or lungs. Smoking affects blood pressure, blood vessels, inflammation and the tendency to form clots. That's why quitting has a direct impact on heart attack,
Smoking and heart: what improves with smoking cessation Read More "
“I got prediabetes” is often read as “it's not serious yet.” The problem is that prediabetes and insulin resistance are not an innocent “pre-something”: they are often the prelude to a cardiometabolic profile that increases cardiovascular risk if allowed to progress (high blood pressure, high triglycerides, fatty liver, increased waistline and
Prediabetes and insulin resistance: how it affects the heart Read More "
Seeing a very high figure on the baumanometer can be frightening. And rightly so: some situations require immediate attention. But not every elevated pressure is an emergency. The key is to distinguish between “very high blood pressure” and “high blood pressure with damage or alarm symptoms,” and to know what to do at that moment without making things worse. Lo
Hypertensive crisis: when is it an emergency and what to do? Read More "
Swelling of the ankles or legs (edema) is a very common reason for consultation. It is often related to prolonged standing, heat or venous circulation problems. But it can also be a sign of fluid retention due to heart, kidney or liver problems. The difference usually lies in
Swollen legs: causes and when to suspect heart failure Read More "
Severe dizziness or fainting can occur from relatively common things like dehydration, a sudden change in position, or a vasovagal episode. But in some cases, it can also be a sign of a heart problem (e.g., an arrhythmia). The difference is in the context, the accompanying symptoms and certain alarm data. See
Dizziness and fainting (syncope): causes and cardiologic workup Read More "
“My heart is racing”, “I feel pounding in my chest”, “it feels like my heart is going to burst”. Palpitations are one of the most frequent reasons for cardiology consultations and also one of the most anxiety-producing sensations. In this guide you will see: What exactly are palpitations We call “palpitations” to the perception.
Palpitations: common causes and when to worry about them Read More "
Blood pressure is not just “a number” in the office. Sustained high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure, but it is also true that many measurements are wrongly taken and lead to misdiagnosis. In this guide you will see: This content is informative and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation.
Blood pressure: goals, home measurement and common errors Read More "
After a heart attack, angioplasty, heart surgery or a diagnosis of coronary artery disease, the question is almost always the same: “How do I get back to normal life without taking risks? Cardiac rehabilitation answers just that: it is a structured program to help you regain physical ability, reduce risk and gain confidence.
The stress test (or ergometry) is a study in which the electrical activity of the heart is recorded while you walk or run on a treadmill, or pedal a stationary bicycle. It is used to evaluate how your heart responds to exercise and whether signs of ischemia (lack of blood flow), arrhythmias or other changes that do not appear in your heart.
It is not always enough to take your blood pressure at the doctor's office. There are people with “normal” figures in front of the doctor, but elevated at home, and others with the opposite effect. 24 h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) allows you to see how your blood pressure behaves during a whole day, while you go about your normal life. In this
MAP 24 h: when to ask for it and what it reveals about your blood pressure Read More "
LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) is one of the strongest determinants of cardiovascular risk. Lowering it in a sustained way reduces heart attacks and brain events. Here you will see the LDL goals according to your risk level and how to achieve them through a combination of habits and treatment. Quick note: This guide is informative and does not replace your medical plan. Customize
LDL cholesterol: current targets and how to achieve them Read More "
The cardiology check-up is a comprehensive assessment to understand your current cardiovascular risk, detect silent problems and define a preventive plan. It is not a one-size-fits-all package: it is tailored to your age, history, symptoms and health goals. If you are looking for confirmation for your case, schedule a Clinical Cardiology Consultation. What is it and what is it for?
Cardiac check-up: what is included and who is it recommended for? Read More "
The first three months after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are decisive. During this period drugs are adjusted, lifestyle changes are initiated and early risks are detected. Here you will find a practical plan -aligned to AHA/ACC/ESC guidelines- to reduce the risk of a new event. To individualize it, request a Cardiology Consultation.
Secondary prevention after a heart attack: first 90 days Read More "
