INSIGHTS into the scientific programme at the upcoming European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2018 have been outlined in an ESC press release. It has described some of the major studies on new treatments and prevention strategies for a variety heart-related conditions that will be presented over the course of this year’s edition of the world’s largest cardiovascular congress.
“Big Impact”
The new findings disseminated at the 5-day event, taking place in Munich, Germany from 25th–29th August 2018, could precipitate long-term improvements in this area of medicine. “I am really excited about the trials that will be presented at the ESC Congress 2018,” said Prof Stephan Achenbach, ESC President Elect. “The results are set to have a big impact, either because they affect large population groups or involve innovative treatments.”
Trial Results
Results from two large trials aiming to better the current understanding of the individuals who are most likely to benefit from taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes will be a key feature. These are the ARRIVE trial, which includes over 12,000 people at moderate risk of heart attacks and stroke, and the ASCEND trial which includes more than 15,000 diabetes patients.
Further evidence about the effectiveness of weight loss therapies in preventing heart attacks and strokes will be displayed in the results of the CAMELLIA-TIMI trial. Additionally, enhanced knowledge of the relationship between food types and heart health and longevity will emerge in the form of the PURE study, which analysed over 200,000 people.
Other important studies to be discussed at ESC 2018 include: the MARINER trial looking at whether continuing with oral anticoagulation therapy in acutely ill patients when they return home can prevent blood clots; several studies focussing on transcatheter aortic valve implantation, particularly in the context of the congress spotlight: Valvular Heart Disease, and major drug trials assessing new treatment options for a range of cardiovascular conditions, such as transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.
New Guidelines
Another aspect of the programme of substantial interest to medical professionals in the field will be the unveiling of several new guidelines. One of these is the 2018 guidelines on hypertension, produced by the ESC and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) 1 year after the publication of the American guidelines in this area. Prof Achenbach commented: “The American guidelines were very strict and lowered the definition of blood pressure. It will be exciting to see what the Europeans say about what blood pressure qualifies as ‘high’ and how strictly it should be treated.”
EMJ Cardiology
Members of the EMJ team will be present in Munich for the full 5 days of ESC 2018 to ensure we have front-row seats to the vital research and discussions that take place. Please feel free to approach our stand in the exhibition area to discover more about our publication from our friendly team. We will subsequently be publishing a review of the congress in the next edition of the EMJ Cardiology eJournal, available in October!
James Coker, Reporter
For the source and further information about the study, click here.
