The annual congress of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC), a branch of the ESC, takes place 13 to 15 April at the Trade Fair and Congress Centre of Malaga (FYCMA – Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Malaga) in Malaga, Spain. Explore the Scientific Programme.
Novel research will be presented in hundreds of scientific abstracts including data on meditation and yoga in heart patients, the effects of air pollution on heart conditions and longevity, and the impact of a daytime snooze on heart health.
Featuring sessions with cutting-edge science on the entire scope of preventive cardiology including public health, sports cardiology and exercise, mental health, nutrition, and much more. Among them: risk management and prevention throughout life, with specific sessions focused on the elderly and children.1-3 Dr. Nicolle Kränkel, Congress Programme Committee Chair, said: “Hear the latest data on how the perception of one’s own health and health knowledge change throughout life, as do the opportunities and means for improving lifestyle behaviours to prevent heart disease. In older age, frailty and cognitive decline may affect physical activity while children’s cardiovascular health is impacted by whether they live in a city or rural area, their school, and exposure to chemicals.”
“Women are understudied, underdiagnosed, and undertreated in health care, including cardiovascular medicine,” continued Dr. Kränkel. Don’t miss the session on cardiovascular risk management in women.4 Addressing burning questions such as: How should the increase in cardiovascular risk during menopause be managed? How do the hearts of female athletes respond to exercise? Which outcomes matter to female cardiac patients? And how do mental health and stress affect cardiovascular health in women?
Also on the agenda: up-to-the-minute scientific evidence on COVID-19 and cardiovascular health.5 Dr. Kränkel said: “The acute phase of the pandemic is considered to be over. We now need to deal with the aftermath: a long-term increase of cardiovascular risk, even in patients who had only mild symptoms, as well as patients suffering from long COVID. We will learn when athletes can return to sports following the infection, and how those with long COVID can safely resume exercise.”
Technology update: find out which apps and wearables provide reliable data in a dedicated session.6 “The spectrum of consumer devices measuring behaviour and bodily functions is rapidly expanding,” said Dr. Kränkel. “Some gadgets can help users monitor heart health over long periods within their daily routine. Tune into this session for insights into which technologies can motivate people to adhere to healthy lifestyle habits and help prevent heart disease, plus data protection issues.”
Environment report: how do heat waves and pollution shape cardiovascular risk?7 Dr. Kränkel said: “We have all experienced the effects of ever hotter summers, and increasing air and water pollution. This session will reveal the impact on cardiovascular health and lifestyle behaviours. Is exercise still a heart healthy habit in hot, polluted areas? What are the responsibilities of health professionals?”
Initiating physical activity is daunting for some heart patients. Listen to the experts share the latest information on promoting exercise in this group.8 Dr. Kränkel said: “Discover how health professionals can instil confidence in patients to take the first steps into an active life and keep it going. What are the perceived barriers and facilitators? Can digital tools help?”
Lessons from outer space: what can zero gravity teach us about exercise?9 “This session also explores the risk of cardiovascular events during diving, check-ups for people with high hazard occupations, and aviation cardiology including passengers and pilots,” said Dr. Kränkel.
The congress spotlight “Cardiovascular risk: defining targets and tailoring strategies” takes a holistic view of cardiovascular risk, including blood lipids, diabetes, obesity and hypertension, plus health knowledge. Dr. Kränkel said: “Key opinion leaders will explain how to determine individual risk and tailor management. Patients will share how they perceive risk and the hurdles to changing habits.”
Worldwide view: join the ESC, World Health Organization and World Heart Federation for this joint session.10 Dr. Kränkel said: “We have a large palette of tools to stop cardiovascular disease, but implementation and adherence are a massive problem. Here we examine our shared global responsibility for cardiovascular prevention: no one needs to suffer a heart attack or stroke.”
ESC Preventive Cardiology 2023 is designed for allied health professionals, cardiologists, general practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. Register as press now and receive news releases from the leading international congress on preventive cardiology.
