Dr. Roberto Barriales: “The biggest challenge for a cadiologist is to provide full care to the families that suffer from a family cardiology”

The heart is the most important muscle in the human body.

It beats approximately 100,000 times a day, without pause—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

This essential organ powers the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell.

Unfortunately, the heart can also suffer from various diseases. Healthcare professionals dedicated to treating these conditions continue to face significant challenges.

To learn more about these issues, we spoke with Dr. Roberto Barriales, a cardiologist at the Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC).

Cardiology is a medical specialty that evolves constantly.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, making early diagnosis and effective treatment critical.

“The heart is a key organ because it is interconnected with the entire body,” explains Dr. Barriales. “Understanding the heart allows us to diagnose many systemic diseases that affect other organs.”

Some of these conditions include:

• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Myocardial infarction
• Angina pectoris
• Heart rhythm disorders

Despite these challenges, Dr. Barriales remains optimistic.

“Nowadays, almost all heart conditions can be cured, controlled, or prevented. It’s a very rewarding specialty.”

While positive, Dr. Barriales is also realistic, acknowledging areas that need improvement.

As the coordinator of the Cardiovascular Disease Unit in the Cardiology Department—a position he has held for over a decade—he has identified unmet needs.

“My focus is on hereditary family diseases, and the biggest challenge is providing comprehensive care for families with inherited heart conditions. It’s a difficult task, but we’re working hard to overcome it.”

Still, Dr. Barriales remains hopeful, emphasizing that in most cases, such care is achievable.

“Of course, there’s always room for improvement,” he adds.

Medical advancements have significantly improved the quality of life for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Survival rates have increased, but researchers remain determined to keep innovating.

“It’s a constantly evolving specialty,” says Dr. Barriales.

Can professionals keep up with the rapid pace of new developments?

For Dr. Barriales, the answer is a resounding yes, provided there’s one essential ingredient: passion.

When asked what makes him most proud after years of practice, he shares:

“I’ve maintained my enthusiasm for learning something new every day.”

What about you? Do you find it hard to keep up “with passion”?

Let us help. Keep reading!

Dr. Roberto Barriales is deeply committed to lifelong learning.

This dedication has allowed him to deliver the highest quality care to his patients throughout his career.

He also serves as the medical coordinator for the ACC Clinical Collection on Cardiomyopathies, a course featuring official content from the American College of Cardiology.

The program offers six e-learning lessons designed to deepen understanding of cardiomyopathies, with a particular focus on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Each lesson is curated by an expert who provides clinical insights in both written and video formats.

These experts include:

• Dr. Esther González, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid
• Dr. Tomás Ripoll, Hospital Son Llàtzer
• Dr. Javier Limeres, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona
• Dr. Elena Arbelo, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona
   

Additionally, the course features self-assessment questions at the end of each lesson. Upon passing the tests, participants can download an official diploma and earn 6.3 Continuing Education Credits from the National Health System.

Interested?

Click the button below to enroll.

We’ll see you there!