The European Society of Cardiology Congress 2009, the world's biggest international meeting in Cardiology will be held in Barcelona, Spain, from 29 August to 2 September.

The meeting, which is expected to attract over 30,000 delegates, will provide opportunities for education, hearing about the latest ground breaking research and gaining deeper insights into the most recent developments and innovations in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Delegates will include clinicians, basic scientists, epidemiologists, nurses, technicians and key opinion leaders in the field.

The latest results will be presented in the Hotline and Clinical trials sessions, with unique opportunities for delegates to have face to face interactions with the investigators. In addition, over 4,000 abstracts, featuring original research, will be show cased at the meeting.

The educational aspects of the congress include the "Meet and Read with the Experts" sessions and the highly acclaimed FOCUS Sessions with live transmissions and practical take home messages, not to mention reports on the latest ESC guidelines.

Prevention and risk factor identification is the special theme of this year's meeting, giving an opportunity for doctors, scientists, governments and the general public to come together to discuss ways of decreasing the burden of cardiovascular disease on society. Altogether there are 50 separate sessions on prevention in the pre arranged programme, and a special abstract session focusing on prevention research.

Additional highlights of this year's meeting include new joint sessions with sister societies, such as the European Society of Medical Oncology, looking at issues such as the cardiovascular effects of oncology drugs, a full day on Congenital Heart Disease and a new joint session with the European Commission exploring the issues around how the European Commission supports cardiovascular Research. A strong component is dedicated to basic science, including a hotline session looking at the latest development, a translational bench to bedside track and a special abstract session.

For the first time ESC 2009 will offer the opportunity for delegates to gain hands-on image and device education from clinical experts. The sessions, which are being held in purpose-built classrooms, have been organised by our industry partners, will be available free on a first come, first served basis. There will also be over 80 satellite symposia and workshops featuring the latest innovations in pharma and equipment.

All this is set against the truly inspirational city of Barcelona, with is magnificent Gaudi architecture, superb cuisine and world famous football team.

"ESC 2009 promises to be a true festival of cardiology. There will be opportunities for hearing about the latest ground breaking trials, continuing education, not to forget the unrivalled opportunity for networking with colleagues from all disciplines of cardiology and finding out about practices in different countries," says Professor Fausto Pinto, Chairperson of the Congress Programme committee.

Source:
ESC Press Office
European Society of Cardiology