I was born on September 29, 1986 — World Heart Day.

I was born on September 29, 1986 — World Heart Day.
Sometimes I wonder whether it was destiny, the universe, or simply one of those coincidences that life gives us.
My connection with cardiology, however, began long before I understood the significance of that date.
As a child, I often accompanied my mother and grandmother to their medical appointments. I saw not only their need for medical care, but also their need to be listened to, understood, and helped. Those experiences became my first motivation to dedicate my life to healthcare.
I initially studied nursing and had the privilege of working at the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery in Havana, a place I had specifically chosen among the possible institutions where I could work.
Even then, I knew that cardiology was where my passion lay.
After three years as a nurse, I began studying medicine, convinced that my dream was to become a cardiologist.
I completed my four-year cardiology residency at the same institution where I had previously worked as a nurse. After completing my training, I remained there as a cardiologist in the Interventional Cardiology Service — the same service where I had once worked as a nurse.
Looking back, that journey has shaped the way I understand medicine.
For me, the heart is not simply one of the most vital organs in the human body. It is also a reason to keep learning far beyond the heart itself — about the kidneys, diabetes, cancer, and the cardiovascular effects of cancer treatment.
My professional journey has therefore been one of continuous learning: a Master’s degree in Atherosclerosis Research, training in Interventional Cardiology, a postgraduate diploma in Heart Disease and Pregnancy, and, most recently, a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Imaging.
Through cardiovascular imaging, I have discovered a fascinating dimension of cardiology. I have also come to understand even more deeply the importance of specialised cardiovascular care for women, taking into account their particular needs and helping them recognise when it is important to seek medical attention.
But some of my most important lessons have come from my own family.
My mother has ischemic heart disease, and I have had the privilege — and the enormous responsibility — of caring for her on several occasions. I will never forget performing coronary angiography on her twice, both times alongside Professor Leonardo López.
During the first angiography, a 40% lesion was identified in the circumflex coronary artery, and her treatment was intensified with atorvastatin. Two years later, following a non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, we repeated the study. The previously observed circumflex lesion was no longer present, while coronary microvascular disease was confirmed.
That experience strengthened my commitment to prevention, cardiovascular risk management, and, particularly, to women’s cardiovascular health.
It also reinforced something I had learned as a child:
Behind every heart is a person who needs to be heard.
Today, my message is especially for women.
Please do not postpone your health because other responsibilities seem more important.
Listen to your body. Recognise the warning signs. Seek medical attention in time.
And if you are planning to become a mother, seek specialised medical advice before pregnancy whenever possible. Appropriate assessment and follow-up can help protect both mother and baby and allow pregnancy to be experienced with greater confidence and safety.
I was born on World Heart Day.
Perhaps it was simply a coincidence.
But throughout my life, I have found countless reasons to understand why the heart matters.
Every heart has a story. Listen to yours. Don’t miss a beat.