An interview with Dr. Sidney Smith

Co-chair of the Scientific Programme Committee and President Elect of the World Heart Federation 

What can participants expect from the World Congress of Cardiology Scientific Sessions 2010?

The WCC Scientific Sessions 2010 is expected to be among the largest event dedicated to discussing the science, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease ever held in China. This Congress will bring together leaders in the cardiovascular disease field and the speakers will be some of the most eminent members of the profession. Not only will the most cutting-edge science be presented but the additional focus on intervention, prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies will ensure delegates acquire the broad knowledge they need to address the issues they face, on a daily basis, in their native countries.
By encouraging interaction between physicians, patients, policy-makers and the public and giving delegates the opportunity to network with their peers an exchange of essential knowledge will occur that brings health care providers and their patients one step closer to abating the growing burden of cardiovascular disease.

What are the main topics and some of the key sessions of the conference?

More than 250 sessions will be presented during the congress, covering a large scale of topics such as ischemia, epidemiology, pediatrics or arrhythmias.
There will be major presentations on coronary heart failure, coronary artery disease –stents and prevention, focus sessions on significant medical trials of the past years and emphasis on evidence-based medicine and guidelines.
In addition to the well known session formats, such as symposia, debates, clinical seminars and how-to sessions, the programme will also include best of recent clinical trials 2009–2010 and special featured sessions. A series of dedicated sessions in Chinese will complement the choice of this international scientific meeting.

The conference is being held in Beijing, how will the location impact on the conference?

It is a privilege for the World Heart Federation to present its WCC Scientific Sessions 2010 in China, fulfilling its objectives to present and share the best of science in what is one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly emerging markets. The economy of the People's Republic of China is the second largest in the world and the continued emergence of the Asian market and China in particular, also offers a unique opportunity for introducing treatment and preventive therapies which can lessen the burden of cardiovascular disease.

Will the conference be addressing any issues related to cardiovascular disease in China?

Alongside the newly introduced topic areas such as dyslipidaemia and metabolic disorders, main sessions and debates will be held, focusing in addition to congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease and prevention, congenital heart disease, hypertension and tobacco, these topics being of specific relevance to the Asia-pacific region.

The conference features the 3rd International Conference on Women, Heart Disease and Stroke. Why is it important to focus on women particularly? And what are the highlights of these sessions?

Heart disease and stroke is the No. 1 killer of women worldwide and is also a major cause of disability. However, there is a distinct lack of awareness around this issue and women do not know their risk. Every year, heart disease and stroke causes 8.6 million deaths among women globally - more than all cancers, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. This is almost eighteen times higher than from breast cancer and six times more than HIV/Aids related deaths. Women are also more likely than men to be under-diagnosed and under-treated. But most heart disease and stroke is preventable. Knowing about the most common causes, risk factors, and signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke in women is the first step in fighting this disease and saving many women’s lives. Risk factors for heart disease and stroke in women include: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco smoke, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets leading to obesity and overweight.
The intent of the Women’s sessions is to raise awareness regarding the need for more focus and attention to the special aspects of cardiovascular disease in women. These sessions will include special discussions about treatment of valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, hypertension and acute coronary syndromes as they pertain to women – emphazing differences in therapies and outcomes. Special attention will be devoted to understanding how assessment of risk for cardiovascular disease differs in women. There will be a discussion regarding the magnitude of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of CVD in Women.

Can you sum up in your own words your expectations of the conference?

The World Congress of Cardiology 2008 held in Buenos Aires, Argentina was attended by over 17,000 cardiology professionals from more than 100 countries worldwide and there were a total 130 exhibitors. We hope to build on this success and strive to exceed these figures. A major goal for this conference is to raise awareness and improve strategies for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease worldwide with a special focus on China and Asia.

Do you have any further comments you would like to add about the conference?

The WCC Scientific Sessions 2010 is THE international stage for the leading developments in science and public outreach in the field of cardiovascular health.
All the latest congress information is available through the congress website (www.worldcardiocongress.org). I encourage you to submit your abstract and register online.
We look forward to seeing you in Beijing at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) from 16-19 June 2010.