IIS La Fe Hosts the 4th Conference on Familial Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Cardiac Death as Part of the “Tu hospital investiga” Series

The conference focused on the application of epigenetics to familial cardiomyopathies, as well as on prevention, patient care, and training in emergency situations.

Epigenetics as the Scientific Core of the Conference

The scientific program began with the session titled "Epigenetics in Familial Cardiomyopathies." Dr. Juan Ramón Gimeno, from the Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (Murcia) and CIBERCV, addressed the role of epigenetics as a modulator of Brugada syndrome. In turn, Dr. Aitana Braza-Boïls, a researcher in the CAFAMUSME group at IIS La Fe and CIBERCV, presented the work being carried out in the CAFAMUSME laboratory.

This session concluded with a presentation by Dr. María Berdasco from the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, who offered a practical and patient-centered perspective on how individuals carrying genetic mutations can improve their prognosis in everyday life through epigenetic knowledge.

Patient Experience and Emergency Training

The conference continued with personal testimonies from three heart transplant patients, highlighting the importance of research, clinical follow-up, and comprehensive support for patients and their families.

Subsequently, Diana Domingo, consultant in the Department of Cardiology at Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, delivered a session on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) theory and emergency situations, reinforcing the importance of basic training in cardiovascular emergencies.

A Special Program for Children

In parallel, the conference featured a special educational program for children, coordinated by Aitana Braza, aimed at introducing science and cardiovascular health to boys and girls in a fun, engaging, and participatory way.

Activities included workshops such as Looking Inside the Heart, CPR and Emergency Situations for Kids, Exploring a Drop of Blood, and a space to learn firsthand about the work of the emergency medical service (SAMU). Participants in this program included science communicator Susana Castillo; CAFAMUSME researchers Claudia Cos and Lucía López Martín; Pilar Marín, Scientific Director of the Cell Biology Platform; students from the UCV Faculty of Nursing; and SAMU personnel.

Research, Outreach, and Social Commitment

With this fourth edition, IIS La Fe strengthens its commitment to translational research, scientific outreach, and social engagement in the field of familial cardiomyopathies and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. The conference successfully combined science, clinical experience, and education, consolidating its position as a benchmark event in this area.