Why we focus on valvular heart disease 

• Valvular heart disease (VHD) affects millions of people worldwide and this number is growing with an ageing population 
• A wealth of new knowledge from trials and other sources is informing how we can treat patients with these conditions 
• Despite transformative advances such as TAVI, this field is generating many new challenges which must be addressed 

Our objectives

The council is dedicated to advancing the field of valvular heart disease (VHD) by supporting fundamental research, fostering knowledge among both cardiologists and non-cardiologists, and improving the overall management of VHD – from early screening and diagnosis to effective treatment and long-term care.

What we offer

The council unites experts across a truly interdisciplinary field, from cardiovascular imagers, interventional cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons to congenital heart disease specialists and basic scientists.  

Together we will support VHD research, develop and share knowledge across expertise and improve the pathway from screening to treatment. 

How we work

The council is led by a nucleus which drives the council’s activities over a two-year mandate. 

Nucleus Members 2024–2026

• Chairperson: Anna Sonia Petronio (Italy)
• Chairperson-Elect: Victoria Delgado (Spain)
• Vice-President Representative: Susanna Price (UK)
• Secretary: Fabien Praz (Switzerland)
• Treasurer: Philipp Lurz (Germany)
• Communications Coordinator: Mariana Adamo (Italy)
• Nucleus Members:
  • Helmut Baumgartner (Germany)
  • Sabine Bleiziffer (Germany)
  • Kristina Haugaa (Norway)