In a country where, according to
HeartScore, over 50% of deaths are the results of CVD, the meeting is regarded as the most important event in the Russian cardiology calendar. Organised by the Society of Cardiology of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the State Research Centre for Preventative Medicine, the Annual Congress continues to grow in importance and the attendance figures reflect this. Over 3683 delegates descended upon Moscow, including 230 from many of the former Soviet Republics and, for the first time in the meeting’s history, 45 foreign participants from Greece, Israel and Turkey were welcomed.
For Professor Oganov, President of the
Russian Federation of Cardiology, highlights of the event “included [discussions on] the paradigm of cardio-metabolic risk and interventions, and how to reduce this, the results of the latest and most important international trials as well as primary and secondary prevention”.
The participation of leading Russian and international experts fostered high scientific and educational content, with topics ranging from new medical technologies in cardiology and new approaches to the treatment of cardiovascular disease to the improvement of cardiology services and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease being discussed.
The Congress included a scientific programme that explored the latest achievements in cardiology, as well as existing problems. In the programme were 58 scientific symposiums, scientific seminars, an educational forum, poster sessions and audience participation was encouraged through an interactive area.
The growth of the Congress prompted the European Society of Cardiology to be invited to Moscow for the first time. Representatives from the ESC worked with their Russian counterparts on a joint information stand. The stand reinforced, in Professor Oganov’s words, “the integration of the RFC in the ESC”.
During the event, the RFC took the initiative to sign the
European Heart Health Charter and called on other Medical Associations to follow suit.
A resounding success, as the awareness of cardiovascular disease and prevention continues to grow in Russia, the annual congress will continue to grow in importance. The hope is that one day, authorities and health professionals will be able to slash CVD death rates. With the signing of the European Heart Health Charter, its scientific content and display of the latest technologies, the Annual Congress of the Russian Federation of Cardiology is integral to the fight against cardiovascular disease in Russia.