"Cardiology in the new era: Paving the road to the world"
Held from December 13-15, 2024, in Thua Thien Hue, the 19th National Cardiology Congress, themed "Cardiology in the New Era: Pathway to the Global Stage," is a significant event aimed at sharing knowledge and professional experiences, while also updating the latest advancements and new solutions in the field of cardiology. The primary goal of Congress is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and improve people's quality of life.
Cardiovascular Diseases – A Global and National Challenge
According to Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Minh, President of the Vietnam National Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases are currently one of the greatest challenges for global healthcare. Each year, cardiovascular diseases account for 31% of global deaths, approximately 17.9 million people, with the Asia-Pacific region contributing 58% of these deaths.
In Vietnam, the situation is equally alarming, with around 200,000 deaths annually, representing 33% of the total number of deaths. Notably, the hypertension rate among adults is 25%, and cardiovascular diseases are increasingly affecting younger individuals, with more cases of heart attacks occurring in people aged 50, compared to 60 and older as in the past.
Why Hue Was Chosen to Host the 19th National Cardiology Congress
Thua Thien Hue, with its rich cultural and medical heritage, is an ideal location to host the 19th National Cardiology Congress. Hue Central Hospital, one of the leading medical centers in the country, has achieved remarkable milestones in cardiology, including the successful execution of 14 heart transplantations across Vietnam, with a record shortest heart transportation time of only 4 hours and 5 minutes.
Additionally, the Cardiology Center of Hue Central Hospital performs approximately 1,000 open-heart surgeries and 5,000 cardiovascular interventions annually, including complex cases such as congenital heart interventions in newborns. These achievements have helped establish Hue as a prominent and specialized medical center in Vietnam.
Scale and Key Highlights of the 19th Congress
The 19th National Cardiology Congress will feature nearly 2,000 domestic delegates and members, along with international experts from prestigious organizations such as the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the American College of Cardiology (ACC/AHA), the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), and the ASEAN Federation of Cardiology (AFC).
With over 300 presentations from nearly 250 top experts, including 40 international speakers, the congress will be held across 7 session halls, focusing on key topics such as:
- Coronary interventions
- Congenital heart disease
- Ultrasound and imaging diagnostics
- Arrhythmia
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Cardiovascular nursing
In addition, related specialties such as Endocrinology - Diabetes, Respiratory, Nephrology - Urology, and Neurology - Stroke will also be discussed.
The congress provides an excellent opportunity for doctors, scientists, and experts from Vietnam and abroad to share valuable experiences, update the latest techniques, and contribute to improving the quality of cardiovascular care in Vietnam.