Dr. Mačkić Clinic has made a major step forward in modern diagnostics by hosting a team from the international company Siemens Healthineers, who presented their latest premium ultrasound system, the ACUSON Origin AI – a state-of-the-art next-generation device based on advanced artificial intelligence (AI), designed primarily for cardiology diagnostics.

Advanced features presented during the Siemens team’s visit

During the demonstration at Dr. Mačkić Clinic, Siemens experts showed live how ACUSON Origin AI changes the way ultrasound examinations are performed:

• Automatic real-time image processing and analysis – the device independently recognizes structures and optimizes image contrast and clarity.
• AI algorithms for early detection of pathology – helping identify subtle pathological changes that can easily be missed by the naked eye.
• Significantly shorter examination time – automated measurements and predefined protocols reduce the number of necessary steps and keystrokes.
• Improved standardization of findings – each examination is more consistent, making it easier to compare results over time and between different physicians.
• Ergonomic design for physicians – comfortable operation and a logical control layout reduce fatigue and the risk of occupational injuries among sonographers.

Demonstration of the sophisticated AI system in operation

The largest global gathering of cardiologists, held in the heart of Madrid at the IFEMA congress center, brought together more than 35,000 participants from around the world.

This important event further highlights the significance of preventive heart examinations and the trust that patients place in Dr. Milan Gluhović’s team.

From October 23 to 26, 2025, the XXVI National Congress of Cardiologists of Serbia was held on Zlatibor, at the prestigious Hotel Tornik. It is one of the most important professional cardiology meetings in the region. The congress brought together leading experts from Serbia, the region, and Europe, with more than one hundred lectures, sessions, and workshops dedicated to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Participation of Mr. Dr. Milan Gluhović

Dr. Milan Gluhović actively participated in the congress as a lecturer within the session of the Heart Failure Working Group, one of the most dynamic and well-attended professional sessions.

In his presentation, Dr. Gluhović presented a clinical case focused on the management of a patient with heart failure of a specific etiology. The lecture included:

• diagnostic approach to a patient with an atypical presentation of heart failure
• integration of modern echocardiographic and laboratory parameters
• therapeutic decision-making in accordance with the latest European and regional guidelines
• a multidisciplinary approach to follow-up and long-term patient management

The practical aspect of the presentation attracted particular attention, with an emphasis on strategies that can be directly applied in everyday clinical practice, especially when working with patients who have complex etiological backgrounds of heart failure.

Significance of Participation

Participation in a congress of this kind confirms Dr. Gluhović’s continuous professional development, as well as his active contribution to the regional cardiology community. The exchange of experience and presentation of challenging clinical cases further strengthen the quality of professional work and improve patient care, which is one of the key goals of modern cardiology.

Organized by the health centers and cantonal associations of physicians of the Herzegovina-Neretva and West Herzegovina cantons, a full-day School of Electrocardiography intended for primary healthcare physicians was held on November 8, 2025 at the Grude Health Center.

This intensive educational program aimed to improve knowledge and practical skills in ECG interpretation, with special emphasis on the early recognition of cardiovascular emergencies. The event brought together a large number of participants from various healthcare institutions in the region, including health centers, emergency medical services, and specialist outpatient clinics.

Organization and course of the education program

The program was organized as a full-day workshop that included a combination of theoretical lectures and practical work. In the introductory part, the goals of the education program were presented, along with the importance of proper ECG interpretation in primary care and the role of family medicine physicians in the early detection of cardiovascular diseases.

After the introductory remarks, a series of lectures and interactive sessions followed, during which participants had the opportunity to:

• refresh their knowledge of the basic principles of electrocardiography,
• become familiar with advanced approaches to ECG analysis,
• work on examples of real ECG findings from everyday clinical practice,
• discuss dilemmas in interpretation of findings and clinical decision-making.

A special segment was dedicated to the simulation of clinical scenarios, where participants, based on ECG recordings and a brief clinical description, jointly reached conclusions about further diagnostic and therapeutic steps.

Dr. Gluhović as a lecturer at the School of Electrocardiography for primary care physicians in Grude

Mr. Dr. Milan Gluhović was invited as a lecturer and one of the key educators during the program.
Thanks to his extensive clinical experience and many years of involvement in medical education,
Dr. Gluhović made a special contribution to the quality of this school.

In his lecture, he focused primarily on practical ECG interpretation, with clear and directly applicable guidelines for the everyday work of family and general medicine physicians. The emphasis was on ensuring that the ECG is not perceived merely as a “technical finding,” but as an important part of the patient’s overall clinical picture.

Main topics of Dr. Gluhović’s lecture

• Basic and advanced principles of ECG analysis – a systematic approach to interpretation, from rhythm and heart rate assessment to analysis of waves and segments.
• Recognition of arrhythmias in primary care – how to distinguish benign from potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Differential diagnosis of chest pain based on ECG – when ECG is sufficient to raise suspicion of acute coronary syndrome, and when additional diagnostics are needed.
• ECG signs of emergency conditions – situations that require immediate action, referral to hospital, or activation of emergency medical services.
• The most common mistakes in ECG interpretation and how to avoid them – practical advice for avoiding incorrect conclusions in everyday work.

The lecture was highly interactive: participants had the opportunity to solve a series of ECG examples, ask questions, and discuss clinical scenarios directly related to their everyday work in the outpatient clinic. In this way, theory was immediately connected with practice.

Focus on primary healthcare physicians

One of the key goals of the School of Electrocardiography in Grude was to strengthen the role of primary healthcare in the management of cardiovascular patients. Since family medicine physicians are often the first to come into contact with patients who have chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting, their ability to interpret ECGs quickly and accurately is of crucial importance.

Through practical examples, the following was emphasized:

• when a patient can be safely monitored at the primary care level,
• when it is necessary to urgently refer the patient to a higher level of healthcare,
• how to communicate findings to the patient and their family in an understandable way.

Participant impressions and plans for the future

Participants particularly highlighted the practical value of the education program, emphasizing that the knowledge acquired during the school could be applied as early as the next working day in their outpatient clinics. Positive reactions also referred to the clarity of the lectures, the logical structure of the program, and the openness of the lecturers to questions and discussion.

The organizers expressed their intention for this type of education to become a regular practice, with plans to
organize advanced modules in electrocardiography, as well as education programs in other areas of cardiology and emergency
medicine that are important for primary care physicians.

The importance of such education programs for the healthcare system

The School of Electrocardiography in Grude represents an important form of continuing medical education in the region. At a time when cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, investing in the knowledge and skills of primary care physicians has a direct impact on the timely recognition and adequate management of patients.

Such programs contribute to:

• improving the quality of healthcare,
• better cooperation between primary and secondary/tertiary healthcare,
• reducing the risk of incorrect assessment of the patient’s condition,
• strengthening physicians’ professional competencies and confidence.

Dr. Gluhović’s participation as a lecturer confirms his long-standing contribution to medical education and the dissemination of professional knowledge, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region. His involvement in such programs further motivates physicians to continue their professional development, for the benefit of their patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

From November 10 to 13, 2022, the 38th Turkish Cardiology Congress was held at the luxurious Titanic Deluxe Hotel in Antalya — the most important annual event of the Turkish Society of Cardiology. The congress brought together leading cardiologists and experts from around the world, with a rich scientific program, interactive sessions, and presentations of the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

The congress focused on modern guidelines in cardiology, advanced therapeutic options in the treatment of heart failure, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, and other complex conditions. Special attention was given to clinical examples from everyday practice and ways to apply new recommendations in real-world settings, from university clinics to primary healthcare.

Joint Session of the Cardiology Societies of Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina

This year, the congress gained special value through the joint session of the
Turkish Society of Cardiology and the Association of Cardiologists in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This session further strengthened professional ties between the two countries, enabling the exchange of experience, comparison of the organization of cardiology centers, and alignment with the latest European and international guidelines.

The session focused on:

• complex clinical cases of patients with heart failure and comorbidities,
• exchange of experience in the organization of heart failure outpatient clinics and cardiology clinics,
• presentation of the latest therapeutic approaches in the treatment of heart failure according to modern guidelines,
• the importance of teamwork between cardiologists, internists, family medicine physicians, and nurses,
• individualization of therapy according to the specific characteristics of each patient.

Joint sessions like this represent a key platform for the development of international cooperation in cardiology and directly contribute to better patient care in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Lecture by Mr. Dr. Milan Gluhović

Mr. Dr. Milan Gluhović participated in the congress as an invited speaker, which represents great recognition of his professional work and contribution to cardiology in the region. As part of the joint session between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Gluhović presented a detailed case report of a patient with heart failure.

Special emphasis in his lecture was placed on:

• diagnostic challenges in complex etiologies of heart failure, where ischemic disease, hypertension, and valvular defects overlap,
• practical application of modern guidelines for the treatment of heart failure in real-world conditions, with therapy tailored to each patient,
• integration of echocardiographic findings, laboratory parameters such as natriuretic peptides, and the clinical picture in decision-making,
• the importance of individualized patient follow-up, regular cardiac check-ups, and optimization of therapy according to response to medication,
• timely recognition of the moment when advanced therapeutic options should be introduced or the patient referred to a tertiary center.

Dr. Gluhović’s presentation attracted great attention from participants due to its high practical value. Through a clearly structured case report and detailed analysis, he demonstrated how a complex patient with heart failure can be managed over a longer period of time, with targeted adjustment of therapy and close cooperation with a team of physicians.

The discussion that followed the lecture showed how relevant this topic is in the everyday practice of cardiologists and internists, as well as family medicine physicians involved in the long-term follow-up of cardiology patients.

Professional Development and Following Modern Guidelines

Participation in international meetings such as the 38th Turkish Cardiology Congress in Antalya enables cardiologists to stay up to date with the latest:

• guidelines for the treatment of heart failure,
• new medications and therapeutic combinations,
• technological advances in echocardiography and other diagnostic methods,
• strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention and secondary prevention in high-risk patients.

This type of continuous education directly affects the quality of cardiology examinations, follow-up of patients with heart failure, and decision-making regarding the best therapeutic approach.

The Importance of International Cooperation for Cardiology Practice

International cooperation in cardiology plays a key role in raising the standards of patient treatment. Dr. Gluhović’s participation in this prestigious congress confirms his commitment to continuous professional development, as well as his active contribution to the international cardiology community.

Joint sessions like this:

• strengthen professional ties between countries,
• enable the exchange of experience in treating the most complex cardiology patients,
• help implement the latest European and global guidelines into local practice,
• lead to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.

For patients and physicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina, appearances like this are a guarantee that our region follows the same standards applied in leading cardiology centers in Europe and worldwide.

What this means for patients at Dr. Mačkić Clinic

At Dr. Mačkić Cardiology Clinic, special emphasis is placed on a modern approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Cooperation and exchange of experience with top experts such as Dr. Milan Gluhović, who actively participates in international congresses, enables:

• our cardiology examinations to be aligned with the latest guidelines,
• modern principles in the treatment of heart failure and other cardiological diseases to be applied in everyday work,
• a modern, individualized approach to each patient,
• patients to receive clear recommendations regarding therapy, lifestyle, and control of risk factors.

Whether you are coming for a heart check-up, ECG, echocardiography, or your first cardiology examination, the knowledge and experience brought from such international meetings are reflected in the quality of care you receive at Dr. Mačkić Clinic.

The goal of our team is to offer patients safety, expertise, and modern cardiology diagnostics, in line with the standards of leading European cardiology centers.

Conclusion

Dr. Milan Gluhović’s participation in the 38th Turkish Cardiology Congress in Antalya once again confirms how important it is for cardiologists from Bosnia and Herzegovina to be actively involved in international developments, follow progress in cardiology, and exchange experience with colleagues from other countries.

Through such congresses and professional sessions, knowledge does not remain limited to lecture halls — it is transferred to clinics, outpatient practices, and hospitals, where it matters most: in direct contact with patients. That is why connecting Dr. Mačkić Clinic with experts who actively participate in international congresses is an important step toward providing top-level cardiology care in our community.

Proper preparation for an examination at an internal medicine and cardiology clinic is extremely important in order for the examination to be performed thoroughly, safely, and with reliable results. Below are the basic recommendations for preparing for the most common diagnostic procedures performed in cardiology practice.

Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world and an essential part of many people’s morning routine. But is coffee healthy? Does it increase the risk of heart disease, or does it, on the contrary, reduce it? Modern scientific research in recent years has provided increasingly clear answers.

Moderate coffee consumption and health outcomes

According to large cohort studies and meta-analyses, for most healthy adults, consuming 2–4 cups of coffee per day is associated with more favorable health outcomes. These benefits primarily relate to lower overall mortality and a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.

It is important to emphasize that this evidence is mostly based on observational studies, meaning that it shows an association, not direct causality.

What is best supported by evidence?

• Lower overall mortality, especially in people who drink around 3–4 cups of coffee per day
• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, both with caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee
• Favorable associations with liver health, including a lower risk of fibrosis and cirrhosis
• No evidence that moderate coffee consumption increases the risk of atrial fibrillation

When should you be cautious with coffee?

Although coffee has potential benefits, it is not equally suitable for everyone. There are situations in which it is advisable to reduce caffeine intake or switch to decaffeinated coffee:

• Insomnia, anxiety, or pronounced sensitivity to caffeine
• Tremor or a feeling of “heart pounding”
• Uncontrolled arterial hypertension, as coffee may temporarily raise blood pressure
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where coffee may worsen symptoms
• Tachyarrhythmias that the patient individually associates with caffeine intake

How to drink coffee in a “healthier” way?

The method of preparation and timing of coffee consumption play a significant role in its overall effect on health:

• During pregnancy and breastfeeding, an intake of <200 mg of caffeine per day is recommended
• Avoid additives such as sugar, syrups, and sweetened creamers
• Whenever possible, choose filtered coffee, because unfiltered coffee, such as boiled coffee or French press coffee, may increase LDL cholesterol
• Drink coffee earlier in the day, ideally in the morning, so it does not disturb sleep
• For healthy adults, caffeine intake of up to 400 mg per day is generally considered safe

How much caffeine does coffee contain?

The amount of caffeine varies depending on the type and method of preparation:

• Filtered coffee (240 ml): approximately 80–120 mg of caffeine
• Espresso: around 60–80 mg of caffeine per shot

The goal should be moderate intake, without drinking coffee late in the evening.

Does coffee have a “safe dose”?

Coffee is not a medicine, but it can be part of a healthy lifestyle. The greatest benefits are seen with moderate consumption, without excessive intake and without high-calorie additives that may cancel out the positive effects.

This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice.

Wine is often associated with the Mediterranean lifestyle, socializing, and enjoying food. However, one question keeps coming up: is wine healthy, and is there a “safe dose” of alcohol? Scientific data are clear on one important message: wine is not a medicine and should not be started for health reasons.

Conclusion from research: a small amount of wine is not associated with higher risk

For most healthy adults, a small amount of wine (up to 1 glass per day) has not been associated with increased risk in studies. However, “neutral” does not mean “protective” — especially because the results are largely based on observational studies (associations), not evidence of causality.

What is best supported by evidence?

• Moderate consumption (≤1 glass/day) is not associated with higher overall mortality.
• Some studies show a lower risk of coronary heart disease, but lifestyle likely plays a significant role, including diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic factors.
• Wine has no protective effect against cancer.
• Resveratrol in wine is present in quantities too small to have a clinically relevant effect.

When should you be cautious or avoid wine?

There are situations in which the recommendation is to reduce or completely avoid alcohol, due to a higher risk of complications or worsening of existing conditions:

• If you notice that it bothers you — reduce or avoid it.
• Atrial fibrillation, as alcohol may trigger episodes in sensitive individuals.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Heart failure, especially with fluid retention, arrhythmias, or interactions with therapy.
• Liver disease.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Interactions with medications, including sedatives, anticoagulants, certain antibiotics, and others.

What is the “safe dose” of alcohol?

The most important public health message is that 0 is the most reliable and safest option. If wine is consumed, moderation is key:

• If consumed: ≤1 glass/day.
• Larger amounts increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and cancer.

How to drink wine in the “least harmful” way?

If a person already consumes wine and has no clear contraindications, the following principles reduce risk and help keep intake moderate:

• Maximum 1 glass, approximately 100–150 ml.
• Always with a meal.
• Not every day — take breaks.
• No “weekend compensation” — several glasses at once carry a higher risk.

Practical message for patients

Moderate wine consumption in healthy adults is often not associated with higher risk, but wine is not therapy. If you do not drink alcohol, there is no medical reason to start. If you do drink, keep it to a small amount, avoid episodes of higher intake, and be sure to talk to your doctor if you have arrhythmias, hypertension, heart failure, liver disease, or if you take medication that may interact with alcohol.

This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice.