Name: Fabio Enrique Parada Cabrera

Clinical Cardiologist, Hospital General de Enfermedades, Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social (IGSS), Guatemala
Board Member, SIACPREVENT (Interamerican Society of Cardiology – Prevention Council)
Emerging Leader, North American Artery (NAA)
Emerging Leader, Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiología (SIAC)

X: @Quiqueparada

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a cardiologist from Guatemala with training in internal medicine and a strong focus on clinical cardiology and research. I recently finished my cardiology fellowship and am currently enrolled in a postgraduate program in clinical research at Harvard Medical School. My work combines clinical care with academic research. I am passionate about improving cardiovascular health in Latin America through collaborative research, education, and patient-centered care, while also building international partnerships to advance global cardiovascular science.

What are your research interests?

My research focuses on cardiovascular prevention and hypertension, as well as the connection between cancer and cardiovascular diseases. A primary objective of my work is to address gaps in cardiovascular research across Latin America by fostering multicenter collaborations and establishing registries, while also promoting evidence-based practices worldwide.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on a project exploring influenza-triggered cardiovascular events and the possible use of colchicine as a preventive measure. Additionally, I will be participating in an International Hypertension registry.

What do you hope to achieve in the field of hypertension over the next 5 years?

There has previously been a publication highlighting the necessity of a hypertension treatment registry in Latin America using blood pressure monitoring. I believe it is Curgent to turn this need into reality, and I plan to work on developing the appropriate methodology. This includes not only conducting a cross-sectional study but also a prospective one, enabling ongoing data collection with proper methods. My second goal is to explore the interactions between hypertension and cancer, as well as the relationship between the two.

What challenges have you faced in your career to date?.

There are many challenges researchers face when starting out. Not having protected time and having to balance research with a heavy workload is tough, but these challenges also create opportunities. Limited resources can be both a problem and a chance to be creative and make the most of what’s available.

Which of your publications are you proudest of and why?

One of the publications I am proudest of is my book chapter:

Parada Cabrera FE. Fisiopatología de la Hipertensión Arterial. En: Tratado de Hipertensión Arterial. México: 2023.

This work was meaningful because it allowed me to integrate the most up-to-date molecular, immunological, and hemodynamic mechanisms involved in hypertension, bridging basic science with clinical implications. It represents not only an academic contribution but also a regional effort to strengthen cardiovascular education in Latin America

What is your favourite manuscript from a lab other than your own?

When I consider how researchers can make a difference in the world, I believe we should first reevaluate our populations and regions. By studying and understanding the realities of our environments, we can influence and change them, ultimately transforming the world we live in. Therefore, when reviewing the 2024 Latin American
Society of Hypertension guidelines for managing high blood pressure and related conditions in Latin America by the LASH group, I see that the goal is to build and customize knowledge about hypertension for our population.

What are your passions outside of work?

I am passionate about running and sports. I have completed two marathons and plan to run the Chicago Marathon soon. I hope to qualify for the Boston Marathon someday and finish the Majors circuit.