Articles tagged ‘ESC’

The second edition of the ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine is heralded as “Europe’s definitive print and online guide to the latest in cardiology”. This 2nd edition, a formidable 1300 pages in 38 chapters, is completely revised and updated since the first edition which appeared in 2005, and it includes new cardiological information in many specific areas such as, pregnancy, choice of imaging techniques, sports medicine and certification, for example. It also has more images and video content, with extensive MCQs, which can be completed to gain EBAC-accredited CME points.

The Second Pan Asian-Pacific ESC Symposium – Moving Towards a Global Approach to Cardiovascular Disease Management will be held on 27th November at three venues across China.

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has recently commented on recent media reports that France is preparing to authorise the sale of cigarettes on the internet, to conform to European rights. Although Budget Minister Eric Woerth denies that this is the intention, the news is disappointing given the drop in heart attack rates following last year’s smoking ban.

A new definition of syncope – was discussed at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in Barcelona. The new definition– makes the diagnosis more precise and now dependent on a specific cause. Restrictions on driving are not recommended for drivers with mild reflex syncope.

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) has been shown to provide improvement in mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic heart failure patients according to findings from the MADIT-CRT and the REVERSE trials presented at the ESC Congress in Barcelona. Also, the Pre-SCD Registry shows ICDs protect patients one month or more post-MI. However, results from a European Survey shows that ICDs are being used outside of recommended guidelines.

As the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2009 draws ever closer, the evidence in favour of a healthy lifestyle for the prevention of cardiovascular disease grows ever stronger. While there will be numerous presentations of specific interest to Arrhythmia Watch, prevention is the highlight theme of this year’s event, which will take place in Barcelona from 29 August to 2 September. Lifestyle factors are heavily on the agenda.