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Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic
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Are you a physician wishing to refer a patient or obtain the medical results of one of your patients? Please SecMed [dot] Cardio [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (contact our medical secretariat).
The Clinic where cutting-edge technology meets a human touch
The Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic of the Brussels University Hospital is committed to promoting optimal cardiovascular health through a multidisciplinary and personalized approach.
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A comprehensive evaluation thanks to modern diagnostic tools
Our mission is to prevent cardiovascular diseases by identifying the specific risk factors of each patient and offering tailored solutions. We combine specialized consultations, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and educational programs to encourage a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
A holistic approach for comprehensive care
Our strengths rest on a dedicated team of experts, latest-generation technologies, and close collaboration between medical disciplines. We distinguish ourselves through a comprehensive approach to care that integrates not only medical follow-up, but also nutritional, physical, and psychological support. As a reference center, we place prevention at the very heart of our priorities, helping everyone reduce their risks and preserve their quality of life.
Our Range of Care
The Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic of the Brussels University Hospital offers a comprehensive and personalized range of care to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve quality of life.
Each prevention program is tailor-made, taking into account the medical history, lifestyle, and specific needs of each patient. This individualized approach promotes better adherence to recommendations and helps establish sustainable lifestyle changes, effectively reducing long-term cardiovascular risks.
Our services include:
- Risk assessment: A detailed evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, etc.).
- Personalized advice: A prevention plan tailored to your profile, including nutrition, physical activity, and stress management.
- Specialized follow-up: Regular consultations with cardiologists and other specialists.
- Educational programs: Workshops to better understand and manage your cardiovascular health.
- Advanced technologies: State-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tests for early detection.
By combining advice on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and health education, the clinic is committed to treating not only physical factors but also the emotional and psychological dimensions that influence cardiovascular health. This comprehensive support builds a true therapeutic alliance, boosting patient motivation and well-being.
Focus on Sports Cardiology and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
Sports Cardiology is a discipline focused on prevention and medical follow-up for the cardiovascular health of active individuals, including both amateur and high-level athletes, as well as patients with a cardiovascular pathology.
Cardiovascular rehabilitation, when combined with Sports Cardiology, helps improve the quality of life for patients who have experienced a cardiovascular medical or surgical event, aligning with their personal goals. It also plays an essential role in patient therapeutic education, encouraging them to take an active role in managing their condition.
Prof. Philippe van de Borne, Director of the Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic
- Director of the Cardiology Department (Research and Education), Erasmus Hospital, ULB, Brussels, Belgium.
- Director of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, Erasmus Hospital, ULB, Brussels, Belgium.
- Professor of Cardiovascular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Motor Sciences, ULB, Brussels, Belgium.
Professor van de Borne conducts extensive research focusing on cardiovascular variability, arterial hypertension, and the interactions between sleep and the cardiovascular system. He has contributed to more than 250 scientific publications and is frequently cited in medical literature. He plays an active role in promoting cardiovascular health in Belgium.
In 2023, he co-proposed the adoption of a national plan to combat cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of prevention and the tailored management of risk factors. Professor van de Borne is a member of the Advisory Board of the European Society of Hypertension, an ex-officio member of the Board of the European Society of Hypertension, and a scientific advisor to the French Society of Hypertension. He has previously served as a member of the "Hypertension and the Heart" working group of the European Society of Cardiology, president of the Belgian Hypertension Committee, and president of the Belgian Working Group on Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.
His dedication to education, research, and prevention makes him a central figure in the field of cardiovascular prevention in Belgium.
Dr. Gabriela Flores Vivian, Interventional and Sports Cardiologist
Dr. Flores Vivian is a cardiologist with over 20 years of experience. She played a key role in the inception of interventional cardiology in Mons in 2016. Trained in Interventional Cardiology, she is deeply committed to preventive cardiology and is a member of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC). She completed her training in Sports Cardiology at Sorbonne University in Paris and has practiced at the Sports Medicine Center in collaboration with ADEPS in Mons since 2019. She is also a member of the Club des Cardiologues du Sport (Sports Cardiologists Club).
She joined the Interventional Cardiology, Prevention, and Rehabilitation team at Erasmus Hospital on December 1, 2023. She is currently further expanding her training in cardiovascular rehabilitation. Dr. Flores Vivian is originally from Mexico and is fluent in four languages.
A team of specialists dedicated to your cardiovascular health
Physicians
- Prof. Philippe van de Borne – Cardiologist
- Dr. Gabriela Flores Vivian – University Hospital Practitioner, Cardiology
- Dr. Caroline Carpentier – University Hospital Practitioner, Cardiology, Internal Medicine
- Dr. Nina Leduc – Cardiologist
- Dr. Sonia Velez-Roa – Cardiologist
- Prof. Jean-Michel Hougardy – Chief Medical Officer of the H.U.B, Nephrology-Dialysis-Renal Transplantation
- Prof. Marc Leeman – Cardiologist
For sports cardiology and cardiovascular rehabilitation, we also collaborate with Dr. Axel Marlaire – Physical Medicine, Sports Medicine Consultation
Healthcare & Support Team
- Lucille Blaise – Physiotherapist
- Stéphanie Catelin – Physiotherapist
- Gwennaelle Demoulin – Social Worker
- Nathalie Egee – Psychologist
- Alexis Gillet – Physiotherapist
- Chantal Godefroid – Physiotherapist
- Michel Lamotte – Physiotherapist
- Corentin Scoubeau – Physiotherapist
- Jonathan Strapart – Physiotherapist
- Sophie Vanden Eynde – Psychologist
- Elodie Van Lil – Physiotherapist
- Marie-Eve Velghe – Dietitian
The departments we work with
The departments we work with
Cardiology
Diabetology
Nutrition
Physiotherapy and Physical Medicine
Psychology
Neurology
Pneumology
Tabacology
Internal Medicine
Useful Resources and Links on Cardiovascular Prevention
These resources offer valuable information on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular diseases in Belgium, in connection with the activities of the H.U.B Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic.
FAQ on cardiovascular health
FAQ on cardiovascular health
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1. What are the main cardiovascular risk factors?
Smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and family history are the main risk factors.
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2. Is my current diet suitable for protecting my heart?
A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber, and low in saturated fats is recommended. We evaluate your habits to offer personalized advice.
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3. What tests are necessary to assess my cardiovascular risk?
A blood test, blood pressure measurement, an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram, or a stress test can be performed depending on your needs.
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4. What is the best physical activity for my cardiovascular health?
Endurance activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, practiced for 30 minutes a day, are ideal.
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5. How can I lower my cholesterol without medication?
Adopt a diet rich in fiber and healthy fats (omega-3s), increase physical activity, and limit saturated and trans fats.
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6. Should I monitor my blood pressure every day?
It depends on your situation. Regular, but not necessarily daily, monitoring may be sufficient unless medically advised otherwise.
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7. What are the warning signs of a heart attack?
Chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or feelings of pressure in the left arm require urgent medical attention.
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8. Can sleep apnea affect my heart?
Yes, it increases the risk of hypertension, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular complications.
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9. How can I stop smoking to reduce cardiovascular risks?
Medical support, behavioral therapies, and nicotine substitutes significantly increase the chances of success.
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10. Does my daily stress impact my cardiovascular health?
Yes, chronic stress can raise blood pressure and worsen cardiovascular risks.