Alessandro Durante MD
Cardiologist

🫀 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

🧠 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