In ancient times, humanity believed that within the body there was an organ with its own will.

The restless, sometimes inconstant muscle that never takes a break, beats on average 120 times a minute in the chest of a, and about 72 in the chest of an adult. At the end of one day it has pulsed more than 100 thousand times.

It inspires musicians and poets, moves people or breaks them in sadness. Vital for life, the Heart also goes to the doctor.

It is to Cardiology that we look, in this issue no. 78 of the Newsletter, to realise what Medicine has yet to say about the Heart.

We listened to some of its best care providers and realised that with each door that closes, other windows open with alternative clues to strengthen fight for longevity. Professor Luís Rosário researches the stem cells of the heart and the ability to one day regenerate it. We also spoke with Professor Dulce Brito, who telemonitorises the heart’s beating, with Professor Ana Almeida, who analyses it through her images, with Professor Manuela Fiúza, who welcomes the hearts that provide a historical oncology of the past and with Professor Susana Constantino, who researches the birth of new vessels and their relationship with low doses of ionising radiation. We were also able to listen to Inês Zimbarra Cabrita, PhD, who directs two research departments, creating solid foundations for further research in Cardiology.

Directing this perfect orchestra that follows the same melody with such different instruments is Professor Fausto Pinto, Director of the Department of Heart and Vessels of the Hospital Center of Lisbon North (CHLN) / Hospital of Santa Maria, and Director at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, whose term ends in June. In an exclusive interview with news@fmul he presented us with his remarks and explained what goals he sets for an upcoming term, without neglecting the Heart.

The Heart is precisely the one that fails due to cardiorespiratory arrest, and because it is fundamental to know how to provide the basic support of life, or connect 112, the Movimento Cívico Salvar Mais Vidas (Civic Movement Save More Lives) explains everything to you and alerts you to this need.

Although digital platforms have changed in recent times, the concept of Library as the encounter with the physical space and the book has not lost its importance. In a joint effort of teams a more extensive and rejuvenated Library was born. As Professor António Vaz Carneiro, Library Professor, said “make use of the Library for that is its purpose.”

Moved by the heart, Isabel Aguiar, is the Director of the Department of Administrative Management of FMUL and is responsible for the Centre for Facilities, Equipment and Logistics. She is still the great storyteller when talking about the Faculty of Help and yet another Solidarity Day.

We wish you an exciting month!

Joana Sousa

Editorial Team

Image Credits: Studio Catarina Zimbarra