“The human heart is an extraordinary machine: being approximately the size of a closed fist, it has the capacity to pump and circulate blood, per minute, the equivalent to a flagon of water. When there are important heart diseases, namely of its valves, that capacity is reduced to a 1.5 litre bottle”, explained Rui Campante Teles in the CMTV morning TV show broadcasted on the 29th September, the World Heart Day. The Hospital da Luz interventional cardiologist was interviewed in the quality of national coordinator of the campaign Corações de Amanhã (Hearts of Tomorrow), an initiative of the Portuguese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention (APIC), a non-profit entity that has for purpose to promote knowledge and understanding of cardiac valvular disease and its symptoms and to improve patients’ access to treatment. “The diseases of the heart are some of the most lethal, also causing greater suffering”, reminded Rui Campante Teles, who explained the major symptoms of the cardiac valvular disease, such as aortic stenosis and mitral insufficiency: chest heaviness or pain / discomfort, sensation of light-headedness or even fainting, nausea. In these cases, the patient should immediately call the 911 emergency service and go to the hospital. The campaign Corações de Amanhã also reminds a few recommendations on how to protect the heart’s health: Control blood pressure and diabetes; Adopt a healthy diet; Practice physical exercise; Monitor weight.
