Dr. Calvo Leads Engaging Lecture on Diastology and Cardiac Imaging

Deep Dive into Diastolic Physiology Empowers Cardiovascular Students

AIMS Education was honored to welcome Dr. Ricardo Calvo, a cardiologist who specializes in Adult Congenital Heart Disease, as a guest speaker for the Cardiovascular Technology program on November 18th. During his visit, Dr. Calvo provided students with an in-depth exploration of diastology, the study of how the heart relaxes and fills, a critical component of cardiac function that plays a key role in diagnosing and managing heart disease.

During the lecture, Dr. Calvo emphasized the importance of accurately assessing diastolic function and highlighted essential indices such as the E/A ratio, E/e’, deceleration time, and pulmonary vein flow. He explained how these measurements help clinicians identify early signs of diastolic dysfunction, often before patients exhibit any noticeable symptoms. Understanding these parameters is particularly crucial in diagnosing conditions such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, hypertensive heart disease, and restrictive cardiomyopathies, where early detection can significantly influence treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Drawing from his extensive clinical experience in cardiology and adult congenital heart disease, Dr. Calvo supported his teaching with practical examples that demonstrated how subtle changes in diastolic parameters can impact patient management. He encouraged students to think critically about how each measurement contributes to diagnosis and to consider the broader clinical picture, including patient history, comorbidities, and risk factors.

To further enhance student learning, Dr. Calvo provided comprehensive handouts and shared a video resource, allowing students to review key concepts at their own pace. This approach reinforced the lecture material and gave students additional opportunities to strengthen their understanding of diastolic physiology and its real-world clinical application.

The session was highly interactive, with students actively engaging in questions and discussions about the practical challenges of diastolic assessment. Dr. Calvo emphasized that precision, attention to detail, and critical thinking are essential skills for cardiovascular technologists, particularly when evaluating subtle changes in cardiac function that may indicate early-stage disease.

By the end of the lecture, students left with a greater appreciation for the complexity of diastolic function, the importance of meticulous measurement, and the meaningful impact skilled cardiovascular technologists have on patient care. The session underscored the value of combining strong theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students to succeed in both clinical and research settings.

Dr. Ricardo Calvo’s lecture exemplified AIMS Education’s commitment to providing hands-on, clinically relevant learning experiences that empower students to become confident, knowledgeable, and skilled professionals in cardiovascular technology. His expertise and insights will undoubtedly inspire students as they continue their journey toward careers that make a real difference in patient health.