Davide Antoniucci: dedication to patients and innovation

The memory of Professor Franco Cecchi The Director of the Cardiology Department of the Careggi Hospital for over two decades, who passed away a few days ago, is responsible for the introduction of a new technique for the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction

March 21 2024|

The availability of genetic testing for cardiomyopathies in Italy

The results of a survey on the availability of genetic testing at the main Italian medical genetics laboratories of the NHS for patients with cardiomyopathies. Together with AICARM Aps, Dr. Maria Iascone (director of the Medical Genetics Laboratory of the ASTT Papa Giovanni XXIII of Bergamo) and Dr. Francesca Girolami (Cardiogenetics of the Meyer IRCCS University Hospital, of Florence). These are the most important conclusions: in most cases the test is carried out together with genetic counselling, it requires an average of 3-6 months to carry out and is always carried out with NGS technology.

March 21 2024|

What happens when we take a drug: Placebo and Nocebo effects

Whenever a drug is used for the first time in the treatment of diseases, the patient is faced with two possible effects. The "placebo effect", i.e. a perceived or real benefit on the part of the patient who believes he is undergoing an effective treatment for his clinical condition even if the medicine does not contain active properties. It is the "nocebo" effect (from the Latin "nocere", to damage), that is, the disturbing shadow of side effects. The detailed information leaflets of medicines, the so-called "leaflets", list a long list of possible negative health effects. These fears, fueled by negative expectations, can trigger the phenomenon. The tools to overcome the problem are correct information and the relationship of trust between doctor and patient.

March 21 2024|

Mavacamten ready for “compassionate use”, perhaps in a year it will be refundable

Mavacamten and Aficamten are the two new drugs for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Mavacamten has entered the “compassionate” use phase. This means that the drug is already available and can be supplied by the manufacturer for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, upon request by expert cardiologists. Aficamten is a little further behind in the experimentation process.

February 21 2024|

Volunteers doubled in Careggi, supporting patients after the "tsunami" of the diagnosis

Aicarm operates in the context of a region that is very rich in terms of volunteering, which is an enormous social capital. At the cardiomyopathy diagnosis and treatment unit in Careggi, the number of volunteers who make themselves available to patients facing their first diagnosis or going there for a check-up is increasing. They inform them and make themselves available to them for every need. It is a service of the same nature as Hearts in Listening, but with direct human contact. 

February 20 2024|

Cardiac arrest: how to improve complication-free survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Reflections on a study appearing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology which reports the evolution of the incidence, management and prognosis of AC in athletes in France. The complication-free survival rate tripled. In Italy it is necessary to extend CPR training programs and increase the installation of AEDs, also involving middle and high school students and installing AEDs in all workplaces as well as in sports.

January 29 2024|

Success of the Cuori in Ascolto service: the answers to patients that the web and social networks cannot give

To help people diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, AICARM has activated a listening desk managed by volunteers and experts: Cuori in Ascolto. AICARM has trained a group of volunteers who, in addition to being carriers of a cardiomyopathy themselves, have acquired basic knowledge on the diagnosis, the different therapies and the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathies. I am able to actively listen to the patient or a family member and establish an empathetic relationship, creating contact between two people who share similar problems. 

December 16 2023|
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