Six hot line sessions at European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress (London, UK, 29 August – 2 September) are set to reveal the latest in cardiovascular disease research across a range of conditions and comorbidities. Key topics include atrial fibrillation, pacing, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, pharmacology and coronary artery disease.
In acute myocardial infarction the results of the randomised ALBATROSS trial using early aldosterone to limit adverse cardiac events and remodelling will be presented. Findings from the CIRCUS trial will show the effect of cyclosporine on clinical outcomes in STEMI patients. “These results are highly anticipated since previous clinical trials on cardioprotective strategies in addition to conventional therapy in acute myocardial infarction were very disappointing,” says Genevieve Derumeaux, chair of the Congress Programme Committee.
An entire hot line session is devoted to hypertension for the first time. Novel studies include PATHWAY 2 which investigated optimal treatment of drug resistant hypertension. “We have been disheartened by the results of renal denervation in resistant hypertension and this study will bring hope to the field,” says Derumeaux.
In heart failure, results from OptiLink HF will reveal the effect of telemedicine alerts on mortality and morbidity. In diabetes, the impact of sitagliptin on cardiovascular outcomes will be presented. “This study is highly relevant since diabetes drug development is mitigated by the potential for adverse cardiovascular events,” noted Derumeaux.
The results of PLATFORM will be discussed in the hot line session on coronary artery disease. The trial tested diagnosis with computed tomography (CT)-derived fractional flow reserve to decide whether or not to revascularise. This study is in line with recent ESC guidelines on myocardial revascularisation recommending the use of FFR before revascularisation. “This study will help to build knowledge in this area,” says Derumeaux.
A total of 27 hot lines will be presented from 58 submissions. State of the art science will also be revealed in the 50 clinical trial updates, registries and basic and translational hot lines chosen from 174 submissions. Of particular interest is a registry about cold temperature and risk of ischaemic stroke in atrial fibrillation, comments Derumeaux. “A novel registry on carbonated beverages and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is another one to look out for.”
The abstract based programme features around 4,500 presentations from more than 11,000 submissions.
Nobel Prize laureate Professor Elizabeth H Blackburn will present the keynote lecture in the Inaugural Session and chair sessions on premature ageing and cardiovascular disease. “Professor Blackburn will share her extensive knowledge on how cardiovascular disease may lead to premature ageing and thereby increase the severity of disease,” says Derumeaux.
