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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WORLD CONGRESS OF CARDIOLOGY 2008: OVERVIEW AND STATISTICS

The World Congress of Cardiology 2008, which took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 18–21 May, was attended by 17’500 participants from over 100 countries, and exceeded all expectations. It was organized jointly by the World Heart Federation, the Argentine Society of Cardiology and the Argentine Federation of Cardiology. With the rich mix of scientific sessions on the latest advances in the management of cardiovascular diseases coupled with prevention strategies, the congress strived to fulfil its “From Patients To Populations” theme. By assisting cardiovascular specialists in countries with developing economies, where 80% of mortalities from cardiovascular disease occur, the congress presented the perfect opportunity for the World Heart Federation to meet all the objectives outlined in its mission statement. 

Local dignitaries’ lend their support

Graciela Ocaña the Argentinean Health Care Minister officially opened the congress on behalf of the President of Argentina, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner; the Lord Mayor of the city, Mauricio Macri was also in attendance. During the opening speeches the World Heart Federation President, Professor Shahryar Sheikh, highlighted the importance of Societies and Foundations, working together to have a greater impact on primary and secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease and stroke “we must follow the path set for us by our insightful leaders and create a balance of care and prevention, and to build the capacity to promote health not only within our patients but within our communities”.

He also commented on the scientific statement for Principles for National and Regional Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention that the World Heart Federation issued in 2004. The overall recommendation being that each country must develop country specific evidence based national and regional guidelines. The Guidelines statement strongly endorsed the World Health Report 2002 recommendations that urge countries to adopt policies and programmes to promote population-wide interventions such as reducing use of tobacco, reducing saturated fat in the national diet and salt in processed foods, encouraging higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, and encouraging weight reduction and exercise. Professor Sheikh highlighted the fact that the World Heart Federation “had taken action to implement these recommendations through two important public awareness initiatives: World Heart Day and Go Red for Women”. In fact all the ladies performing in the tango show during the opening ceremony were dressed in red in support of the Go Red for Women international campaign.

Reaching out to the public

The Argentine Foundation of Cardiology and the CARDIO Foundation organised a10 km competitive run and 3 km aerobic walk, which attracted more than 2,000 people with the aim of promoting the importance of physical exercise in order to prevent cardiovascular disease. They also set up cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses where 900 people were trained in the basic CPR resuscitation procedures in case of an emergency situation. Dr Horacio Faella, President of the World Congress of Cardiology commented that “the growing epidemic of cardiovascular disease may be prevented and efficiently managed working jointly with the patient and the community. The education of families in the treatment of patients is key to confronting this problem”. At the “Thematic tent” members of the public could have their blood pressure, waistline, cholesterol and glycemia measurements taken. The importance of such awareness building events was highlighted by the fact that five people who were tested were immediately sent to hospital as they were at imminent risk of having a heart attack.

Key congress statistics and information

  • Total number of particpants:17,500
  • Meeting our mission, participants from: Argentina 5,951; Latin America 5,014; Rest of the World: 3,473
  • Over 250 sessions including:
  • 143 Scientific Sessions
  • 21 Special Featured Joint Sessions
  • 11 South American Congress of Cardiology (Spanish track)
  • 58 Oral abstract sessions (7 papers per session)
  • 24 Satellite symposia and workshops

1.    The Ignacio Chavez Lecture: given by Dr Valentin Fuster at the Opening Ceremony
2.    The Metabolic Syndrome: Growing prevalence in Latin America and treatment needs
3.    What we know and what we don't know about DES
4.    Optimum treatment for heart failure
5.    What's new in heart failure?
6.    Promoting smoke-free environments
7.    Atrial fibrillation: From pathogenesis to practice
8.    Haemodynamics, heart and hypertension

 

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