Alessandro Durante MD
Cardiologist

🫀 Your heart talks to you every day. Are you listening? 💓 Rapid heartbeat, even at rest Often caused by stress, poor sleep, or too much caffeine. It’s not always “just anxiety.” 😮‍💨 Shortness of breath with mild effort If climbing stairs feels more tiring than usual, your heart may be asking for more movement… or more attention. 🥱 Persistent fatigue The heart works closely with metabolism, blood pressure, and sleep quality. When something is off balance, you feel it. 😵

Why lifestyle is essential Blood pressure is influenced by many lifestyle-related factors. Even when medication is necessary, working on these aspects helps enhance the effect of therapy, lower blood pressure values, and protect the heart, brain, and kidneys in the long term. Below is an overview of the most effective non-pharmacological strategies, supported by scientific evidence. 1. Reducing salt intake Limiting salt consumption significantly helps lower blood pressure. Th

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death worldwide and in Italy. Understanding how common they are and which factors contribute to their development is essential to adopting effective prevention measures and improving one’s health. How common are they? Cardiovascular diseases include a group of conditions such as myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and other disorders affecting the blood vessels. In Italy, they affe

Cigarette Smoking and Cardiovascular Risk Cigarette smoking is one of the most important and dangerous risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. There is no “safe” amount: even a few cigarettes a day significantly increase the likelihood of developing heart attack, stroke, and arterial diseases. Why smoking is harmful for your heart and blood vessels Cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic substances. The main agents responsible for cardiovascular damage are: Nicotine –

🫀 Mitral Valve Prolapse: What Is It Really? Mitral valve prolapse is a very common condition, often discovered by chance during a check-up or an echocardiogram. It means that one of the two “leaflets” of the mitral valve moves a bit more than normal, without necessarily affecting the proper functioning of the heart. 💬 Symptoms (when present) Many people have no symptoms at all . When symptoms do occur, they may include: • Palpitations • Fatigue • Chest pain not related to e

Chest pain: when to worry and what you need to know Chest pain is one of the most common—and at the same time most feared—symptoms. It doesn’t always mean a “heart attack,” but it always deserves attention: the chest contains the heart, lungs, major vessels, esophagus, muscles, and nerves, and each of these structures can generate pain with different characteristics. On this page you will find useful information to recognize the various types of chest pain, understand when to

Lipoprotein(a): What It Is and Why It Matters for Heart Health Lipoprotein(a), often abbreviated as Lp(a) , is a particle found in the blood that resembles the better-known LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol.” However, it has a unique feature: an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a) , which makes Lp(a) behave in a more “aggressive” way toward the arteries. Why Lp(a) Is Important In recent years, Lp(a) has become increasingly relevant in cardiolog

Citrus & Heart: a natural ally for cardiovascular health Did you know? Oranges, mandarins, and other citrus fruits are not only delicious — they contain bioactive compounds that may help protect the heart. 🍊 Why they’re good for you Rich in flavonoids (hesperidin, naringin) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. May help improve endothelial function. ❤️ Potential benefits Improved lipid profile (↓ LDL, ↑ HDL). Possible re

🫀 Physical activity = a stronger, healthier heart! Did you know that moving regularly can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 38% ? You don’t need to be an athlete—daily steps, a brisk walk, or any activity that makes you feel good are enough. ✨ Main benefits: • Better blood pressure control • Improved cholesterol profile • More stable body weight • Lower risk of diabetes • Less stress, more energy 🎯 Recommended goal: 150 minutes per week of moderate activity

Pumpkin: Properties and Benefits ❤️🎃 Pumpkin is a light, nutrient-dense food that offers valuable benefits for cardiovascular health. Here are the numbers that make it special: 📊 Nutritional values (per 100 g cooked flesh): • 26 kcal • > 90% water • Fiber: ~1 g • Carbohydrates: ~6.5 g • Fat: 0.1 g • Vitamin A (as beta-carotene): ~7,380 µg • Vitamin C: ~9 mg • Potassium: ~340 mg ✨ Why it’s good for your heart: ❤️ High in potassium Around 340 mg per 100 g: helps maintain prop