Bologna has become one of the leading cities for cardiac care in Italy, with top cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons offering the full spectrum of heart-health services. Heart specialists in Bologna manage coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular disorders, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, and preventive cardiology. Patients benefit from non-invasive diagnostics (echocardiography, ECG, stress testing, Holter monitoring), invasive procedures such as angioplasty and coronary stenting, minimally invasive valve repair or replacement, bypass surgery, pacemaker and defibrillator implantation, electrophysiology, and care for complex aortic disease. Top Cardiology hospitals, like Sant’Orsola-Malpighi and major private centers, have hybrid operating rooms, modern cath labs, a dedicated cardiovascular ICU, and multidisciplinary Heart Teams combining surgeons, interventional cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and imaging specialists.
In Italy, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, accounting for roughly one-third of all deaths annually. Over the past few decades, age-standardised mortality from heart disease has declined, but the burden of morbidity (people living with heart failure, ischemic heart disease, valvular disease) continues to rise. In particular, valve disease in older populations, congenital heart disease survivors, and arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation) are growing concerns. Bologna, with its university hospital Sant’Orsola Mok, is among the top cities in terms of volumes of cardiac surgery and transplantation. The Cardiac Surgery Unit at Sant’Orsola regularly features in national rankings for heart surgery, particularly for aortic surgery, mitral and aortic valve work, and advanced procedures in heart failure and transplant.
Bologna offers many advantages for heart patients. If you are considering cardiac care, these are strong reasons to trust the specialists here:
➤ Academic and research excellence – Many of Bologna’s heart doctors are professors or senior staff at the University of Bologna and Sant’Orsola hospital. They are involved in research, clinical trials, and guideline development, which means treatments tend to be up-to-date, evidence-based, and innovative.
➤ Full range of cardiac services – From prevention, diagnostic imaging, interventional cardiology (angioplasty, stenting), to complex cardiac surgery (valve repair or replacement, aortic surgery, bypass, heart transplantation). Arrhythmia care (including electrophysiology, ablation, and pacing) is also very strong.
➤ Advanced technology and multidisciplinary teams – Bologna hospitals use the latest imaging tools, hybrid ORs, minimally invasive and robotic approaches, as well as collaborative Heart Teams that bring together cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and rehab specialists.
➤ High surgical volumes and strong outcomes – Surgeons in Bologna volume-rich units see many cases of valve surgery, aortic arch surgery, heart transplantation, and complex heart failure, which tends to correlate with lower complications and better recovery.
➤ Accessibility through public and private health systems – You can access services under the Italian National Health Service (SSN) or choose private clinics or private practice consultations, which gives flexibility in speed, comfort, and cost.
➤ International patient readiness – Many specialists speak English, there is experience with international patients, and Bologna has good transport links, accommodation options, and patient support services, which aid those coming from abroad.
Here are some of the best heart specialists in Bologna, with their roles and what they are especially known for:
Prof. Davide Pacini
Prof. Pacini is Director of the Cardiac Surgery Unit at IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Sant’Orsola-Malpighi. His work focuses on surgery of the aorta, heart transplant cases, and combining open and hybrid approaches. He has authored over 300 scientific papers, leads surgical innovation in Bologna, and is well-known for handling the most complex cardiac and aortic cases.
Dott. Luca Di Marco
Dr. Di Marco is a Senior Staff Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Bologna’s Sant’Orsola, trained in aortic root and arch surgery, hybrid techniques, and minimally invasive valve operations. He is active in developing guidelines, especially for aortic disease, and participates heavily in scientific societies.
Prof. Roberto Di Bartolomeo
Prof. Di Bartolomeo has had a long and distinguished career in cardiothoracic surgery in Bologna. He formerly directed Cardiochirurgia at Sant’Orsola and remains a reference for valvular repairs, bypass grafting, and surgical management of aneurysms. Patients respect his surgical judgment, technical skill, and mentorship of younger surgeons.
Dr. Gianluca Folesani
Dr. Folesani works within the Cardiochirurgia unit at Sant’Orsola. He is known for coronary bypass operations, especially off-pump and minimally invasive techniques aimed at reducing recovery time and complications. His practice emphasizes high standards in patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Dr. Alessandro Leone
Dr. Leone is part of the Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department in Bologna. His interests include hybrid approaches for valve disease, combining catheter techniques and surgery, and managing structural heart conditions. He often collaborates on multidisciplinary Heart Teams for combined therapy.
Finding the right cardiologist or cardiovascular surgeon can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a serious heart condition. Best Clinic Abroad ensures you get matched with the best in Bologna, supported from start to finish.
We help you understand your medical history, heart condition, diagnostic imaging, and work with you to find a doctor whose experience matches your needs. We assist you in getting second opinions to confirm diagnoses and treatment options.
➤ Personalized doctor matching – Based on your condition (valve disease, aortic aneurysm, arrhythmia, bypass surgery, transplant, etc.), we connect you with surgeons and cardiologists in Bologna who specialize in your area.
➤ Pre-operative diagnostics coordination – We arrange necessary tests (echo, CT, angiography, ECG, Holter) so that when you meet the specialist, all relevant data is in hand.
➤ Appointment bookings & admissions support – We manage scheduling of consultations, hospital admissions, and surgical planning so your path to treatment is smooth and efficient.
➤ Transparent cost estimates – We supply detailed breakdowns of fees for consultations, surgery, hospital stay, ICU, implants, and aftercare so that you know all costs up front.
➤ Support for international patients – Travel guidance, accommodation, interpreter services, visa help, and navigating private vs public healthcare options are arranged.
➤ Post-operative follow-up and rehabilitation planning – After surgery or intervention, we help with cardiac rehabilitation, lifestyle guidance, medication adherence, and long-term follow-ups to safeguard heart health.
With Best Clinic Abroad, you gain access to leading heart specialists in Bologna and modern facilities. Whether you require preventive cardiology, complex cardiac surgery, or interventional treatments, you will be supported at every stage, medical, logistical, and personal, for optimal care and peace of mind.
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