specializations
Cardiology
Cardiology at Aventino Medical Group
What does Cardiology deal with?
Cardiology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, study, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which affect the heart and blood vessels.
The cardiologist is responsible for preventing, diagnosing, and treating these conditions through clinical examinations, pharmacological therapies, and monitoring. In contrast, the cardiac surgeon performs surgical procedures in the operating room.
When should you see a cardiologist?
It is advisable to consult a cardiologist in the following cases:
- Onset of symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, high blood pressure.
- Presence of risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of cardiovascular diseases.
- Monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
- Routine check-ups: every two years in normal conditions and annually after age 50.
- Pre-sports evaluation for those engaging in physical activities.
When should you go to the hospital?
If you experience persistent chest pain that radiates to the left arm or sudden breathing difficulties, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency care.
Risk factors and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases
Main cardiovascular risk factors:
High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Smoking
Diabetes mellitus
Obesity and overweight
Depression and chronic stress
Sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity
Family history of cardiovascular diseases
Symptoms not to ignore:
Fatigue: persistent tiredness and weakness.
Chest pain: pressure, discomfort, or burning sensation in the chest.
Shortness of breath (dyspnea): difficulty breathing.
Palpitations: fast or irregular heartbeat.
Dizziness and vertigo: feeling faint or loss of balance.
Presyncope and syncope: episodes of fainting.
Swelling in the legs and ankles: possible sign of heart failure.
Pain or numbness in the limbs unrelated to stress or trauma.
Cardiovascular diseases treated by our specialists
At Aventino Medical Group, our cardiologists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Coronary artery disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia)
- Heart failure (cardiac insufficiency)
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- Congenital heart disease
- Endocarditis and pericarditis
- Congenital malformations
- Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart)
What happens during a cardiology consultation?
A cardiology consultation at Aventino Medical Group follows several steps to ensure an accurate and personalized diagnosis.
1. Comprehensive Medical History (Anamnesis)
The cardiologist will gather detailed information about the patient’s clinical history, including:
- Presence of symptoms and their frequency.
- Lifestyle, physical activity, and diet.
- Family history of cardiovascular diseases.
2. Physical Examination
The consultation continues with:
- Auscultation of the heart and lungs.
- Measurement of blood pressure.
- Checking heart rate and circulation.
3. Diagnostic Tests (If Needed)
Depending on the patient’s condition, the cardiologist may prescribe or perform the following tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): records the heart’s electrical activity to detect arrhythmias and ischemia.
- Echocardiogram (Doppler echocardiography): ultrasound exam to assess heart structure and function.
- Exercise stress test: monitors the heart’s response to physical exertion.
- 24/48-hour/7days Holter ECG: continuous recording of the heartbeat to detect abnormalities.
- 24-hour blood pressure Holter monitoring: tracks blood pressure fluctuations throughout the day.
- Doppler ultrasound of the supra-aortic trunks (TSA): examines blood flow to the brain.
4. Personalized Treatment Plan
The cardiologist will provide tailored recommendations on pharmacological treatments, prevention strategies, and lifestyle modifications.
How to Prepare for a Cardiology Consultation?
No special preparation is required, but it is recommended to bring:
Previous cardiology test reports.
List of medications currently being taken.
Recent blood test results, if available.
How to prevent cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Italy and worldwide. However, proper prevention can significantly reduce the risks.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate rest.
Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
Manage stress and maintain good mental and physical well-being.
Cardiovascular Risk Levels (European Society of Cardiology, 2016)
Low – No risk factors.
Moderate – Presence of one or more mild risk factors.
High – Hypertension, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol.
Very high – History of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke).
Recommended Check-ups:
- Every 5 years in the absence of cardiovascular issues.
- Every 2 years after age 40.
- Annually after age 50 or in the presence of risk factors.
Why choose Aventino Medical Group?
Multilingual team: our specialists speak Italian, English, and other languages, ensuring support for international patients and tourists in Rome.
Personalized approach: tailored solutions for every need.
Advanced technology: modern tests for precise diagnoses.
Comfort and flexibility: welcoming environment and flexible appointment scheduling.