Alessandro Durante MD
Cardiologist

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

🧠 Carotid Doppler Ultrasound: a simple test that can make a difference The carotid Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive exam that allows the evaluation of the arteries that supply blood to the brain, helping to identify early narrowing or atherosclerotic plaques. It plays a key role in stroke prevention , in assessing cardiovascular risk factors , and in the follow-up after procedures such as carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting. Painless, quick, and radiation-free: a

🫀 Fish is a valuable ally for heart health. Rich in high-quality proteins, essential vitamins and minerals, it is especially known for its Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining a balanced lipid profile. 🐟 Why is it good for cholesterol? • It reduces triglycerides • It increases HDL cholesterol (the “good” one) • It helps keep LDL levels lower • It supports arterial health and cardiovascular prevention 🍽️ How many times per week? 👉 2–3 servings are enough

🫀 Which medications are used to treat dyslipidemia? When diet and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, several therapeutic options can help control cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In the graphic you’ll find a summary of the main categories: ✔️ Statins – reduce LDL cholesterol ✔️ Ezetimibe – limits cholesterol absorption ✔️ PCSK9 inhibitors – significantly lower LDL ✔️ Bempedoic acid – an alternative or add-on to statins ✔️ Fibrates – effective for high triglycerides ✔️ High

Many patients become worried when they first hear the term “heart murmur.” It sounds alarming, but in most cases, it is not a diagnosis of heart disease—it is simply a sound your doctor hears while listening to your heart with a stethoscope. What Is a Heart Murmur? A heart murmur is an extra sound in the heartbeat cycle, often described as a whooshing or swishing noise. It is caused by blood flowing through the heart or heart valves in a way that creates audible vibratio