This is my last editorial as Editor-in-Chief of the Portuguese Journal of Cardiology, a post it has been my honor to hold for the last sixteen years. My aim is threefold: to provide a brief summary of this period; to bid farewell to our readers; and to welcome the new Editor-in-Chief of the Journal.

Much has happened over the course of the last sixteen years in the world of cardiology, particularly in Portugal, and in the publishing world. I would like to highlight the following major achievements during that time at the Journal: it is now published in a bilingual edition, with all articles translated into English by a professional native-speaker translator or, in some cases, published only in English; it is indexed in all major databases and obtained its first impact factor in 2012; and it is now published by one of the most prestigious international publishers. There have of course been many other developments during this period, but the above three have given the Journal international standing and make it an ideal platform for increasing the visibility of Portuguese cardiology.

Another important factor has been our membership since its foundation in 2009 of the Editors’ Network of the European Society of Cardiology, an initiative involving the editors of the national cardiology journals of the Society's member states. This has contributed further to the Journal's internationalization.

The Journal is today a modern publication of considerable prestige both nationally and internationally and is a unique vehicle for publicizing what is practiced and produced in the field of cardiovascular medicine in Portugal. But the journal's evolution in recent years has gone beyond this primary objective. When we obtained our impact factor, the Journal became part of the international ‘market’ of cardiology publications and has accordingly seen a rapid increase in the number of submissions from abroad. One immediate consequence is a significant rise in the rejection rate, which is currently around 60%.

Various strategic decisions have been made over the years that could only be implemented with the unwavering support of the journal's different governing boards with whom I have had the privilege of working and to whom I wish to extend my thanks. There have been many people who have contributed to the success of our journal and whose constant support I would like to acknowledge: the Associate Editors (Dr. João de Sousa, Prof. José Carlos Silva Cardoso, Dr. Manuel Almeida, Prof. Manuel Antunes, Prof. Nuno Cardim and Prof. Pedro Monteiro), whose willingness and commitment are greatly appreciated; the Editorial Board, the various members of which have provided invaluable assistance whenever requested; and our translator, Paul Covill, without doubt the best and most rigorous translator I have ever worked with. Finally, I would make special mention of the two people who have helped me most over the years and to whom the Journal and the Portuguese Society of Cardiology owe a great deal. Isabel Ribeiro and Sílvia Silva have shown outstanding professionalism and dedication, such as is rarely seen today. I give them my heartfelt thanks for all that they have done and for all they have had to endure! The Journal would not be what is now without their contribution.

Looking to the future, I can rest easy knowing that someone of the standing of Prof. Lino Gonçalves will be at the helm of the Journal. He is a leading figure in Portuguese cardiology, both at home and abroad, and his notable career achievements and considerable experience will ensure a successful future for our journal.

I will end by saying how privileged and honored I feel to have been at the head of the Journal for sixteen years and to have helped make Portuguese cardiology stronger and more visible. The future is here, and I am confident that it will be a bright one.