Dra. Lorena Montes Zabala

I specialize in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, and I hold a Master's degree in Cardio-Oncology. I was a professor for the Cardiology program at the FUCS University Foundation of Health Sciences from 2018-2021. I have been a Clinical Cardiologist at Clínica Marly JCG Chía since 2021. I served as a Clinical Cardiologist and Cardio-Oncologist at the National Cancer Institute (INC) from 2018-2021, and worked as a Clinical Cardiologist at Hospital San José-Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá from 2018-2021. I was a speaker on anticoagulation for Bayer's Anticoagulation Leaders program in 2021, and on antiplatelet therapy for AstraZeneca from 2018-2019. I am an ambassador for Responsible Hearts.

You can consult me as your cardiologist if you wish to prevent or manage conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, or if you experience symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, fatigue when walking or exerting yourself (such as climbing stairs or inclines), swollen feet, or any symptom of cardiovascular concern.

Cardio-oncology is a relatively new branch of Cardiology focused on preventing, managing, and mitigating cardiovascular conditions that may arise from potentially cardiotoxic anti-cancer therapies, or pre-existing cardiovascular conditions in cancer patients. My goal is to support your cancer treatment with the best possible cardiovascular safety. Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of illness globally, sharing many risk factors and disease development pathways. Furthermore, cardiovascular effects from anti-cancer therapies can appear years after treatment completion. Cardiovascular issues are a primary concern for cancer survivors. If you have a cancer diagnosis, a cardio-oncology evaluation is beneficial for cardiovascular assessment and monitoring before, during, and after your treatment. I work collaboratively with you and your oncologist to monitor and support your heart health throughout your anti-cancer therapy.

I am experienced in anticoagulation, a therapy often used for cardiac arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation to help prevent cerebral thrombosis, as well as for venous thromboembolism and mechanical heart valves, among other conditions. I am also experienced in antiplatelet therapy, indicated after a heart attack. I have lectured on these topics for Bayer, AstraZeneca, and events hosted by the Colombian Society of Cardiology.

My consultations are compassionate, warm, and grounded in the latest scientific evidence. Patients leave my consultations well-informed about their health condition, with their questions and concerns addressed. I am a dedicated educator at heart, and I use my teaching skills not only with students but also with my patients, employing didactic and digital tools to help them understand our discussions during the consultation. My goal is to help my patients maintain good health or manage their cardiovascular conditions effectively. I work collaboratively with my patients and their families to support their cardiovascular well-being and achieve the health goals we set during our consultations.