San Donato Hospital
| Italy | Turkey | Austria | |
| LDL Apheresis | from $1,650 | from $1,650 | - |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Hypertension treatment and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Hypertension treatment and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Hypertension treatment journey.
Prof Giuseppe Speziale leads cardiac surgery at multiple prestigious hospitals and is a pioneer in minimally invasive mitral valve repair.
Dr. Iacopino specializes in treating complex arrhythmias and heart failure, with a focus on rare syndromes like Brugada and Wolff-Parkinson-White.
The doctor specializes in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, focusing on minimally invasive and noninvasive valvular surgeries. With a distinguished career, the doctor has contributed significantly to the field through research, publications, and active participation in professional organizations.
Graduating with honors from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome, the doctor further specialized in Cardiac Surgery at La Sapienza University. Currently, the doctor serves as the Director of Cardiac Surgery at Santa Maria Hospital and Anthea Hospital, and is the Vice President of GVM Care & Research.
The doctor is the Head of the Clinical Cardiology Unit at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan and serves as a Full Professor of Cardiology at Vita-Salute University. With a medical degree from the University of Milan, the doctor specialized in Internal Medicine, Diabetes, and Cardiology. The doctor has extensive experience in cardiology, having performed over 3,000 cardiac catheterizations, coronary angiographies, pacemaker implants, and more than 2,000 coronary angioplasties. Additionally, the doctor has conducted 1,000 procedures involving coronary stent implants and is a member of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
Italian doctors aim for systolic blood pressure between 120 and 130 mmHg for adults under age 65. For patients over 65, the target shifts to 130–140 mmHg. Diastolic targets remain below 80 mmHg for most patients to ensure cardiovascular safety and health.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian cardiology centers like San Donato Hospital and Maria Cecilia Hospital prioritize 24-hour ambulatory monitoring over single office readings. Specialists like Dr. Saverio Iacopino focus on long-term stability rather than immediate aggressive drug escalation. This diagnostic approach allows doctors to confirm high readings before initiating lifelong medication protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that doctors often spend time discussing Mediterranean diet and exercise before adjusting dosages. They should expect follow-up appointments every 3 to 6 months to monitor lifestyle progress and BP trends.
You can get blood pressure medication in Italy through a primary care physician or a private specialist. Residents use the National Health Service (SSN) for subsidized prescriptions. Tourists often prefer telemedicine services for rapid e-prescriptions or private clinics for same-day appointments and specialist consultations.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian cardiology centers like San Donato Hospital perform over 9,400 vascular operations annually. If your hypertension is resistant, seek a private cardiologist at a research hospital for faster access. These specialists can often perform 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) without the 2–4 week public wait times.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that getting a tax ID (codice fiscale) is essential for long-term prescriptions. Many suggest using local pharmacies for free weekly checks to bring accurate data to your medical appointments.
Hypertension medications are covered by the Italian National Health Service (SSN) for all registered residents. Patients typically pay a small co-payment between 2 and 5 Euros per prescription. Full exemptions are available for chronic conditions or low-income status. A valid health card is required.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While public clinics like Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy are accredited by the SSN for standard care, high-volume centers like San Donato Hospital handle over 9,400 cardiovascular procedures annually. For patients seeking specific long-term management outside basic prescriptions, these major Milanese facilities offer specialized diagnostic monitoring like 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure tracking not always available at local pharmacies.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that registering for a health card immediately is vital to avoid paying full price. Many note that switching to generic versions like ramipril can reduce monthly costs to just a few Euros.
ACE inhibitors remain the primary antihypertensive choice for new patients in Italy. Ramipril and Enalapril are the most frequently prescribed drugs. Around 44% of patients with cardiovascular comorbidities receive beta-blockers. Providers increasingly utilize single-pill combinations to improve long-term treatment adherence.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian cardiology centers like San Donato Hospital handle the highest volume of cardiac procedures in Italy. Data suggests that clinics with IRCCS accreditation prioritize evidence-based drug protocols. These centers often transition patients toward single-pill combinations early. This approach simplifies regimens for the over 300,000 patients they see annually.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Ramipril is often the first and most affordable option provided. Many suggest requesting a switch to ARBs if a dry cough develops from ACE inhibitors.
Italian pharmacists can often provide a short-term emergency supply of blood pressure medicine to travelers. You must present your original medication bottle or a valid prescription. Pharmacists use their professional discretion to dispense a bridge supply. This helps prevent health risks during travel interruptions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian cardiology centers like San Donato Hospital handle over 9,400 heart operations yearly. This high clinical volume means local pharmacists are very familiar with maintenance protocols. While many travelers get medicine directly, a quick cardiology consultation in Milan or Rome provides a local prescription if pharmacies require one.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that carrying an original bottle often secures a week's supply without a local script. Many find Italian pharmacists more helpful and flexible with travelers than those in their home countries.
Most Italian pharmacies provide immediate blood-pressure checks during standard business hours. Patients can identify local pharmacies by their illuminated green cross signs. This service typically requires no appointment. Professional pharmacists use clinical-grade equipment for instant readings and often provide preliminary wellness advice.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian healthcare centers like San Donato Hospital perform over 9,400 cardiac operations annually. This high volume of core cardiovascular care translates into a highly developed prevention culture locally. Even small neighborhood pharmacies act as screening hubs. They often utilize advanced telemonitoring tools connected to larger clinical networks for specialized oversight.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that walking into a pharmacy is the fastest way to get a reliable reading. They emphasize that staff in major cities like Rome and Florence are helpful and perform checks instantly without paperwork.
Italian specialists prioritize a DASH-Mediterranean hybrid diet alongside medication for hypertension. Doctors emphasize extra virgin olive oil, local produce, and portion control. These lifestyle measures complement 24-hour ambulatory monitoring. This clinical approach helps patients reduce systolic pressure through sustainable daily habits.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian cardiology excellence is concentrated in Milan and Rome, where research hospitals treat over 300,000 patients annually. Facilities like San Raffaele and San Donato combine high-volume surgical expertise with lifestyle-focused recovery. This integration ensures that medical management also addresses metabolic health. Choosing centers with IRCCS accreditation guarantees access to both advanced clinical research and standardized lifestyle protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that doctors focus on slowing down and making time for family or rest. Mediterranean lifestyle recommendations feel practical because they emphasize eating fresh, local food rather than strict restriction.