Cardiovascular Risk Unit in Barcelona - Center for Cardiac Prevention and Control
Prevention, early detection and personalized treatment of heart and vascular diseases
Specialized center for the prevention, detection, and treatment of cardiac risk factors in Barcelona. Control of hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes.
More than 5,000 satisfied patients



Cardiovascular Risk Unit: We Take Care of Your Heart
At the Dexeus Internal Medicine Cardiovascular Risk Unit (CRU), we are dedicated to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of risk factors that can affect your heart and vascular health. Integrated into the Internal Medicine Department, our unit is staffed by internal medicine specialists and nursing staff with expertise in patients with complex cardiac conditions.


What is cardiovascular risk?
Cardiovascular risk is the probability that a person will suffer an adverse event in their circulatory system, such as:
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Heart failure
- Thromboembolic problems
- Coronary pathologies
Our goal is to identify and control these risks before they lead to serious health problems.
Risk Factors We Control
In our Cardiovascular Risk Unit, we focus on the detection, prevention, and treatment of the main factors that increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases:
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We provide accurate diagnosis through ambulatory monitoring and offer personalized treatment for its management.
Dyslipidemias (Elevated Cholesterol and Triglycerides)
Altered blood lipid levels significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis. We evaluate your complete lipid profile and design strategies to normalize these values.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes significantly increases cardiovascular risk. Our specialized team monitors blood sugar levels and prevents associated vascular complications.
Overweight and Obesity
Excess body weight is directly linked to increased heart risk. We offer weight management programs with a cardiovascular focus.
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of regular physical activity increases the risk of cardiac events. We design exercise programs tailored to each patient.
Smoking
Tobacco use is a critical modifiable risk factor. We offer personalized smoking cessation programs.
Metabolic Syndrome
This combination of factors (hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance) increases cardiovascular risk. We offer a comprehensive approach to this condition.


Our Working Method
At the Dexeus Internal Medicine Unit, we follow a structured protocol to ensure comprehensive and personalized care:

First Specialized Medical Visit
- Detailed cardiovascular clinical history
- Complete physical examination
- Calculation of body mass index
- Accurate blood pressure measurement
- Assessment of personal and family risk factors
- Personalized calculation of overall cardiovascular risk
Personalized Diagnostic Tests
- Complete blood tests (lipid, blood glucose, kidney, liver profile)
- Electrocardiogram
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) when required
- Stress tests in indicated cases
- Echocardiography and other cardiovascular imaging tests if necessary
- Vascular function studies for advanced evaluation


Individualized Treatment Plan
- Personalized pharmacological treatment when necessary
- Heart-healthy eating plan tailored to each patient
- Physical activity program according to condition and capabilities
- Strategies for stress management
- Addressing other specific risk factors
Cardiovascular Counseling and Follow-up
- Education on healthy lifestyle habits
- Specialized nutritional counseling
- Guidance on cardiovascular physical activity
- Assessment of adherence to treatment
- Therapeutic adjustments according to evolution
- Personalized periodic follow-up

Team of Cardiovascular Health Specialists
Our team is made up of professionals with extensive experience in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases:


Dr. Guillermo Arbe
Head of the Cardiovascular Risk Unit
Internal Medicine specialist with extensive experience in the comprehensive management of cardiovascular risk factors and heart disease prevention.
Specialized Nursing Team
Professionals with specific training in the monitoring of patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases, dedicated to:
- Educate about self-care
- Monitor adherence to treatment
- Monitor vital signs
- Provide ongoing support to the patient
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care, coordinating with other specialists such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and nutritionists when necessary.
Specialized Services in Cardiovascular Risk
Global Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk
Personalized analysis of the probability of suffering a cardiovascular event in the coming years, using internationally validated scales (SCORE, Framingham, REGICOR).
High Blood Pressure Control
Accurate diagnosis through ambulatory monitoring and advanced therapeutic strategies, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological.
Comprehensive Management of Dyslipidemias
Complete lipid profile evaluation and personalized approach to normalize cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Cardiovascular Control in Diabetes
Prevention of vascular complications in diabetic patients through intensive control of all associated risk factors.
Primary and Secondary Prevention
Specific strategies to prevent the first cardiovascular event and to avoid recurrences in patients who have already suffered an episode.
Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Programs
For patients who have suffered cardiac events, we offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs to optimize their recovery and prevent further events.




The Role of Nursing in Our URC
The nursing staff of our Cardiovascular Risk Unit plays a fundamental role in:
Health Education
We provide information and tools to help patients understand the importance of self-care and managing risk factors or pre-existing disease.
Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles
Personalized advice on eating habits and physical activity tailored to each person’s individual characteristics.
Tracking and Monitoring
Periodic monitoring of vital signs, treatment adherence, and the evolution of risk factors.
Continuous Patient Support
We establish a relationship of trust that facilitates communication and compliance with medical recommendations.
Personalized Goal Setting
We establish realistic and achievable goals in collaboration with the patient, tailored to their personal and clinical situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiovascular Risk
Cardiovascular prevention should begin at any age, but is especially recommended starting at age 40, or earlier if there is a family history or personal risk factors.
In people without risk factors, annual screening is recommended. For patients with established risk factors, the frequency may be higher based on medical judgment.
Although some damage may be irreversible, many cardiovascular disorders are partially reversible with lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment, significantly improving the prognosis.
Not necessarily. In some cases, significant changes in diet and physical activity can reduce or even discontinue medication, always under medical supervision.
The only way to know is through regular blood pressure measurements. Hypertension is often asymptomatic, so preventive monitoring is essential.
Collaborating Mutuals and Insurance Companies
At the Dexeus Internal Medicine Cardiovascular Risk Unit, we work with leading insurance companies to facilitate your medical care:






















If your insurance company isn’t listed, ask us about our options for private patients.
Location and contact
How to get there
- By car: Parking at the hospital building
- By bus: Lines 59, 70, 72, and 75 Lines
- T3, Maria Cristina stop (green line)
- Lines T1, T2, and T3 (María Cristina stop)
Dexeus University Hospital Quirónsalud Group
Address
Outpatient clinic floor -1, consultations -1.5 08028 Barcelona