Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation are critical interventions to increase the chances of survival in the event of cardiac arrest. If started within the first few minutes, these techniques can double or even triple the chances of survival, while reducing the risk of permanent organ damage.
The November issue opens with the conference held in Florence on November 9. Last November, AICARM inaugurated the first Cardiomyopathy Day, an innovative event that combined medical training and sharing of patients' experiences. The initiative highlighted the importance of open dialogue in overcoming the fragility associated with the disease, offering a valuable space for listening and discussion. With this aim of growth and support, the association is launching a new monthly column edited by Dr. Niccolò Maurizi, a leading cardiologist. The "Medicine&Science" column aims to delve into the various cardiomyopathies on a monthly basis, explaining diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in clear, scientific language. The goal is to continue to develop an informed, aware, and supportive community, where patients and professionals can share knowledge and mutual support.
Prof. Franco Cecchi, President of AICARM, participated as a speaker at the Astori Association conference held in Florence on November 22. The presentation illustrated the role of AICARM in the prevention of cardiomyopathies, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses, and showed the critical issues existing in the certification of physical or sports activity for patients with Cardiomyopathy.
The Florence Medical Association has published an important document on antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry, with particular attention to patients with cardiomyopathy. The document emphasizes that the use of antibiotics must be carefully evaluated to avoid the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
The population is aging. Faced with this change in average age, even those who deal with cardiomyopathies have seen many more patients arrive in recent decades with pathologies partly related to the aging of the heart. Among these, cardiac amyloidosis is certainly the most important. It is very important to identify the disease in the large number of patients with thickened hearts due to age.
A project resulting from the collaboration between Aicarm, the Auxologico Institute of Milan and Fapy srl aims to promote knowledge and training in the field of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of the defibrillator. Aimed at young people between 16 and 18 years old, the project is aimed at high schools in Milan, and should involve ten classes composed of 20-25 students. Three hours of the school program are planned for this activity
Professor Martina Smorti, Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Pisa, conducted, in collaboration with the Cardiomyopathy Unit of Careggi and with the support of AICARM, a survey on the psychological impact of the disease on young patients. Support groups were created for late adolescents and young adults in which it was evident that sharing the disease with other children is useful for promoting communication about cardiomyopathy even in broader social relationships.
AICARM inaugurated a new format of information and training in Florence. The Cardiomyopathy Day involved doctors, patients and family members in two distinct sections: the in-depth and updating interventions of the experts and the testimonies and exchange of ideas and experiences of the patients. While the CPR courses continued at the headquarters
Communication and support for patients were the first commitment of the Milanese volunteers. Then the investigation into the management of the genetic test, its availability, how it was proposed and how the data was presented. And then the work on the topic of psychological support. And many training courses for expert patients that recorded a great participation
AICARM continues the open line with the book “Il Cuore grande”, publishing stories of the experiences lived by patients since they were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. The care of communication between doctor and patient plays a central role in the success of a therapeutic plan as much as drugs, says Rossella. Words heal, they can bring relief or despair. “I like to think that the medicine of the future will also focus on this”, she adds.