Dr. Flavio Acquistapace 

Expert in Functional and Cardiorespiratory Assessment

A pioneer in the application of physical exercise to Cardiovascular Imaging, particularly in the field of Physical Stress Echocardiography, where he has developed extensive clinical and research expertise, especially in the screening and follow-up of cardiac ischemia, valvular diseases, and in the fields of Sports Medicine and Cardiology.

He has conducted population screenings, including gender-specific rehabilitation and athlete assessments, promoting clinical echocardiographic studies on the clinical significance of cardiac morphology development. He has contributed to the drafting of guidelines on the prognostic and clinical value of functional screening and the Exercise Capacity Test (6MWT). He has applied and developed Telemedicine in Cardiology, conducting screenings, studies, and territorial assistance services, while participating in the creation of related guidelines.

Research Activities

Principal Investigator and lead researcher in numerous clinical and observational studies.

Teaching

Professor of Cardiology at the University of Parma (Italy) | Invited Lecturer at Bocconi University’s Cergas on healthcare quality models | Professor at the Catholic University (Italy, Faculty of Motor Sciences).

Director and lecturer at international courses and conferences, including the three editions of the International Cardiovascular Imaging and Clinical Course, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, USA.

Awards and Recognitions (Most Significant)

Best Young Researcher in Echocardiographic Imaging, 1987 (SIEC)

European Golden Helix Award for Healthcare Quality.

Scientific Affiliations and Appointments

• Professional Member of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
• Member of the Swiss Society of Cardiology
• Member of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EACP)
• Member of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI)
• Member of the Italian Society of Cardiology
• Member of the boards for Study Groups on Prevention, Rehabilitation, Physical Exercise, and Sports Cardiology, Gender Health, Telemedicine, and Informatics.
• Member of the ATIMEF council (Ticino Association of Family Physicians)
• Member of SMAISI, SUMSI, and SGUM
• Founder and president of ARRC (Association for Cardiovascular Research and Rehabilitation)
• Founder and President of "Medico in Pratica" (MIP) – Medicine in Practice | based in Lugano, Switzerland.