Cardiology
A team of experienced cardiologists
at your service
A place dedicated to your heart health
Learning to care for your heart is a fundamental part of overall well-being, both in everyday life and when engaging in activities that require significant physical effort. At Il Cuore di San Benedetto, cardiology services are provided by a team of specialists working in close collaboration to offer a comprehensive, accurate, and personalized diagnostic and care pathway.
In a modern, welcoming medical practice overlooking Cagliari’s skyline, cardiovascular prevention is delivered through state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies, including 3D echocardiography and a stress test enhanced with 3D visualization. These advanced tools support our cardiologists in performing highly detailed cardiac assessments.
Each patient follows a tailored path of care, supported by an approach that places the individual at the centre, combining expertise, professionalism, and empathy. Our team also welcomes international patients visiting Sardinia, offering consultations in English and providing personalized support for those seeking specialist care in Cagliari.
Cardiology Consultation
At our cardiology centre in Cagliari, we believe that every patient is unique. For this reason, our cardiology consultations do not follow rigid standardized protocols, but rather personalized diagnostic pathways based on each patient’s clinical profile and individual cardiovascular risk factors.
The consultation begins with a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, enabling the cardiologist to understand both the patient’s personal and family health background while building trust from the outset. Our team then performs a complete clinical evaluation, including: Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity; Doppler echocardiography to evaluate heart structure and valve function, and to assess overall cardiac performance.
Diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases can often develop silently, especially in the early stages. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent and manage conditions such as:
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Arterial hypertension and heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
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Coronary artery disease and heart failure
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Cardiomyopathies of genetic, inflammatory, or metabolic origin
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Valvular heart diseases (stenosis or insufficiency) and vascular conditions such as aneurysms
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Conditions related to cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, and obesity
Symptoms such as chest pain, unusual fatigue, or shortness of breath should never be overlooked: they are often signals from the body that deserve careful medical attention. Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. For this reason, prevention is not simply an option, but a proactive step toward protecting your long-term health. At our multidisciplinary medical centre, we adopt an integrated and patient-centred approach where every patient is treated with attention, experience, and genuine care.
The strength of our centre lies in teamwork
The Cardiology Team
Our cardiology department brings together professionals with complementary expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and monitoring of the most common cardiovascular conditions. This integrated approach allows our specialists to maintain a comprehensive and continuously updated understanding of each patient’s cardiovascular health.
Looking for a cardiologist for your child?
Discover our paediatric cardiology services.
Dr. Roberta Garezzo is a cardiology specialist with over twenty years of experience. She graduated in Medicine and Surgery with honors in 2001 and completed her specialization in Cardiology in 2005 at the University of Cagliari.
She has developed extensive expertise in echocardiography at major hospitals in Cagliari. She currently works as an outpatient specialist at ASL No. 8 in the Quartu Sant’Elena and Selargius facilities, with a particular focus on echocardiography and cardiac diagnostics.
She maintains her professional development through regular participation in conferences and specialist training courses.
A physician specializing in cardiology and sports medicine, Dr. Marcello Pili is a leading expert in the prevention and diagnosis of major cardiovascular diseases.
He is a full member of the Italian Society of Sports Cardiology and a member of the Italian Federation of Sports Medicine, with over thirty years of experience in both public and private healthcare settings.
From 1992 to 2000, he served as an assistant physician in the Cardiology Department (Coronary Care Unit) at Santissima Trinità Hospital in Cagliari, and subsequently as a first-level medical director at the Microcitemic Hospital.
He currently directs Pilimar’s medical centres: the “Città di Cagliari” specialist centre and the “Il Cuore di San Benedetto” multispecialty medical centre in Cagliari, as well as the “Città di Villacidro” medical centre in Villacidro.
Dr. Tiziana Porcu is a cardiology specialist with thirty years of clinical experience. She graduated in Medicine and Surgery in 1992 and completed her specialization in Cardiology with honors in 1996 at the University of Sassari.
She furthered her training by obtaining a diploma in Pain Therapy and Acupuncture.
She currently practices as a private physician and as an outpatient specialist at ATS Sardinia in the socio-healthcare areas of Cagliari and Carbonia.
She regularly attends major conferences and continuing education courses in the field of cardiology.
Services
At Il Cuore di San Benedetto, our team of specialists offers comprehensive cardiology care pathways for those who wish to monitor their heart health or investigate symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, or irregular blood pressure.
Complete Cardiology Check-up
Specialist consultation, electrocardiogram (ECG), 2D echocardiogram, exercise stress test, or Holter ECG monitoring.
€ 250
3D Cardiology Check-up
Specialist consultation, ECG, 3D echocardiography, and exercise stress test with 3D visualization. A highly innovative diagnostic evaluation that enables a more detailed and immersive analysis of cardiac function, reflecting our centre’s advanced diagnostic approach.
€ 300
Do you need a cardiology consultation?
When should you see a cardiologist?
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If you experience chest pain and are concerned that it may be heart-related
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If you experience fatigue or shortness of breath during physical effort
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If you have experienced episodes of tachycardia, extrasystoles, or arrhythmias
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If you would like regular monitoring of your blood pressure
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If you have cardiovascular risk factors (high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, family history)
At the heart of prevention
n an era when cardiovascular diseases remain among the leading causes of mortality, cardiovascular disease prevention is not merely an option but a conscious choice to protect one’s health. Choosing to rely on the Cardiology Team at our medical centre in Cagliari means choosing a comprehensive, up-to-date, and patient-centred approach, where every individual receives attentive and personalized care.
Is sport an important part of your life? You are in the right place.
If you enjoy practicing sports, whether at an amateur or competitive level, our centre offers everything you need to protect your health and prevent potential cardiovascular risks. Thanks to the expertise of our team in Sports Medicine, we support athletes through prevention, screening, and cardiovascular monitoring programs, ensuring safe and reliable medical evaluations.
For the health of your heart
Advanced technologies supporting our cardiologists
Il Cuore di San Benedetto is an advanced multidisciplinary medical centre that uses innovative diagnostic tools, including 3D echocardiography and an exercise stress test with 3D visualization. These highly advanced technologies enable a more immersive and high-precision cardiac assessment, positioning our centre among the most advanced diagnostic environments at both national and international levels.
- Medical History
- Clinical Examination
- Resting Electrocardiogram
- Doppler Echocardiography
- Exercise Stress Test with 3D Visualization
- Holter ECG Monitoring
- Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Instant ECG Recorder
Medical History
Medical history refers to the systematic collection of information about the patient’s health background. During this phase the physician gathers information regarding current symptoms, previous diseases, past surgeries, ongoing medical treatments, allergies, and family history of illness. In cardiology, medical history helps identify cardiovascular risk factors and guides the most appropriate diagnostic pathway.
Clinical Examination
The clinical examination is the actual medical evaluation during which the cardiologist assesses the patient’s physical condition. It includes procedures such as measuring blood pressure and heart rate, as well as auscultation of the heart and lungs. Together with the medical history, the clinical examination allows the physician to obtain a comprehensive picture of the patient’s health and determine whether further tests are necessary.
Resting Electrocardiogram
A resting electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick and non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the chest, wrists, and ankles. The patient remains lying down for a few minutes while the device records the heart rhythm. This examination allows physicians to detect possible heart rhythm abnormalities, signs of cardiac stress, or irregularities in electrical conduction. It can also provide indirect information about heart chamber size, ventricular wall thickness, and possible arrhythmias or signs of myocardial ischemia.
Doppler Echocardiography
Doppler echocardiography is a non-invasive test that visualizes the heart’s structure and blood flow through the valves and cardiac chambers in real time. It is a fundamental examination that has evolved enormously since its earliest pioneering studies, leading today to the remarkable images produced by 3D echocardiography. Thanks to the latest generation echocardiography systems available at our centre, this test allows cardiologists to evaluate heart size, valve function, myocardial contractility, and detect possible structural abnormalities.
Exercise Stress Test with 3D Visualization
The exercise stress test performed on a cycle ergometer evaluates how the heart responds to physical activity. The patient pedals on a stationary bicycle while heart activity is continuously monitored through an electrocardiogram, and blood pressure is measured at regular intervals. Exercise intensity gradually increases according to standardized protocols. This examination helps identify potential cardiac problems, such as arrhythmias or myocardial ischemia that may appear only during physical effort and allows cardiologists to assess the functional capacity of the heart.
At our centre, this diagnostic pathway is further enhanced through the use of the first 3D visualization headset applied to exercise cardiology, an innovative technology designed to improve patient comfort while providing a more immersive and detailed view of clinical parameters.
Holter ECG Monitoring
Holter ECG monitoring is a portable device that records the electrocardiogram continuously for 24–48 hours during normal daily activities. Small electrodes are applied to the chest and connected to a recorder roughly the size of a smartphone that the patient carries throughout the day. This test helps detect possible arrhythmias that may occur sporadically and might not be identified during a standard resting ECG.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring automatically measures blood pressure at regular intervals over 24–48 hours. The patient wears an inflatable cuff connected to a small portable device that performs measurements approximately every 15 minutes during daily activities and sleep. This test provides a complete profile of blood pressure patterns throughout the day and helps diagnose hypertension and evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed treatment.
Instant ECG Recorder
The instant ECG recorder is a small, portable device that allows patients to record their own ECG whenever they experience symptoms such as palpitations or chest discomfort. By placing the device on the chest for a few seconds, an electrocardiographic trace can be recorded. This tool is particularly useful for documenting occasional events such as sporadic arrhythmias that may occur weeks or months apart and might not be detected by other monitoring methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I book a private cardiology consultation in Cagliari?
To schedule a cardiology consultation at our medical centre in Cagliari, you can contact us by email at info@ilcuoredisanbenedetto.it. Whether Cagliari is your home city or you are visiting Sardinia for work or holidays, we will be pleased to welcome you. Our team includes physicians who speak English, ensuring complete assistance for international patients.
What is the most important test for heart health?
There is no single most important test. Each cardiology examination provides specific and complementary information. The electrocardiogram evaluates the electrical activity of the heart, while Doppler echocardiography provides detailed information about heart structure and function. At Il Cuore di San Benedetto, we believe that prevention is essential. Understanding the characteristics of your heart allows physicians to identify possible abnormalities even in the absence of symptoms and establish a baseline cardiac profile.
At what age does the highest risk of a heart attack occur?
The risk of a heart attack increases with age, particularly after 45 years in men and 55 years in women (or after menopause). However, risk factors such as family history, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol can significantly increase risk even at younger ages. For this reason, prevention and regular check-ups remain essential at every stage of life.
What are the symptoms of heart problems?
Possible warning signs of a heart attack can appear differently in men and women. In men, the most common symptoms include chest pain or pressure that may radiate to the left arm, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back, often accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweating, nausea, and anxiety. In women, symptoms may be more subtle and less widely recognized, including persistent fatigue, back pain or pain between the shoulder blades, digestive discomfort, nausea, or shortness of breath without obvious chest pain. These symptoms are often underestimated but should always be carefully evaluated, particularly after menopause when cardiovascular risk increases significantly.
Is a cardiology consultation painful?
No. A cardiology consultation is not painful. All tests included in a standard cardiology evaluation are non-invasive. For example, an ECG simply involves applying small electrodes to the skin, while Doppler echocardiography is an ultrasound performed by placing a probe on the chest. Holter monitoring also only requires external electrodes and does not cause significant discomfort.
Is a cardiology check-up necessary even if I feel well?
Yes. Preventive cardiology consultations are important even in the absence of symptoms, especially if cardiovascular risk factors are present. These may include family history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, or age over 40–50. Many heart conditions do not produce symptoms in their early stages, and early diagnosis allows timely intervention to prevent complications.
How often should I have a cardiology check-up?
The recommended frequency of cardiology evaluations depends on age, risk factors, and any previously diagnosed conditions. In the absence of symptoms or risk factors, a check-up every 2–3 years after the age of 40 may be sufficient. If there is a family history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking, earlier and more frequent monitoring may be recommended. When known cardiovascular conditions or significant risk factors are present, the cardiologist will establish a personalized follow-up schedule, which may include evaluations every 6–12 months.
