PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WORLD CONGRESS OF CARDIOLOGY 2008With 17,500 participants from over 100 countries attending the World Congress of Cardiology 2008 the Scientific Programme was designed to fulfil the congress theme “From Patients to Populations”. Organised jointly by the World Heart Federation, the Argentine Society of Cardiology and the Argentine Federation of Cardiology, delegates from developed and developing countries had the opportunity to present and learn about the latest scientific advances and treatments for the management of cardiovascular diseases as well as to review the preventative approaches for tackling the rising global burden. Unique audience reachThe World Congress of Cardiology is unique in its focus in that it moves beyond the high tech discussions found in North America and Europe and concentrates on the developing countries where 80% of deaths occur and where strategies may be slightly different. By sharing science, building capacity and developing partnerships the congress aims to fight the rising burden of cardiovascular disease globally. With over 250 sessions to choose from some programme highlights are featured below: Hypertension treatment in patients aged over 80 years reduces mortality by 21%Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a global risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The HYVET trial (Hypertension in the Very Elderly) which included 3,854 patients aged over 80 years, who received a combination of Indapamide and Perindopril showed that mortality rates were reduced by 21%. The results which were presented Dr Guillermo Fabregues, Vice-President of the Argentine Cardiology Foundation provided the first solid evidence on the usefulness of the pharmacological treatment of hypertension among the elderly.
Polypill reaches clinical testing phasePolypill sessions were dedicated to the presentation of research results and also featured a debate on the different aspects of Polypill development and use. Led by Dr Valentin Fuster, immediate Past President of the World Heart Federation the Polypill has now reached the clinical testing phase. It is the result of collaboration between the Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), of which Dr Fuster is Scientific President, and the Ferrer laboratory in Spain. Stress at work increases the progression of arteriosclerosisWork stress, resulting from great pressure in the work place, may increase the progression of atherosclerosis by 46% in people who have highly reactive personalities to stress. This was demonstrated by a study performed by researchers at the School of Public Health in Berkeley, USA, which found that the association of stress and very demanding work in a personality highly reactive to stress, results in the thickening of the internal walls of the carotid arteries and formation of atherosclerotic plaques which progressively obstruct blood flow. Both factors are markers of the progression of atherosclerosis that underlies cardiovascular disease. Environmental risk factors: tobacco and air pollutionThere was a whole series of discussions on air pollution ranging from presentations on particulate matter and how it is increasing worldwide, through automative pollutants and factory emissions and the impact this is having on cardiovascular disease. New scientific evidence on the damage caused by second-hand tobacco smoke was also presented and results showed that those who are habitually exposed to passive smoke run a cardiovascular risk almost as high as those who smoke; people who do not smoke but inhale second-hand smoke suffer a 30% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Thank youThe World Heart Federation and World Congress of Cardiology organisers would like to extend their gratitude to all the Speakers and Chairs for their hard work and dedication as well as the congress participants for contributing to the success of the 16th congress. | |||||||
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