Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends,

As 2025 draws to a close, this is a special moment to pause and reflect on a year defined by progress, purpose, and the strength of our community.

From pioneering conversations on cardiovascular health inequalities to deepening scientific insight into microvascular dysfunction, the dedication of our members continued to move the field forward. Together, we expanded our reach, empowered early-career researchers, and championed excellence in coronary pathophysiology and microcirculation.

This “Year in Review” celebrates what we have accomplished collectively and sets the stage for an inspiring 2026.

Uniting Voices, Advancing Knowledge

We opened the year with ambitious goals, and your engagement transformed them into tangible achievements. Our Working Group Talks brought together global audiences to explore topics of direct relevance to patient lives and the future of cardiovascular medicine. These events not only advanced scientific understanding but also integrated patient perspectives into the conversation, including:

• Tackling Inequalities and Disparities in Cardiovascular Health: The Lancet Regional Health-Europe commission on inequalities and disparities in cardiovascular health
• Decoding Lipoprotein(a): From Atherosclerosis to Clinical Implications

These online Working Group Talks bridged scientific evidence with real-world experiences, strengthening our role as a community in both research and clinical practice.

A Strong Scientific Presence on the International Stage

At ESC Congress 2025 in Madrid, our Working Group made its mark:

• The new Fireside Chat format with Dr. Edina Cenko (WG CPM Chair), Dr. Roxana Mehran, and Prof. Elena Osto discussing whether physician sex influences cardiovascular outcomes, highlighted how equity and inclusion can advance science, improve care, and enhance patient outcomes.
• Many of our colleagues contributed to the Lancet Regional Health – Europe Series on cardiovascular disparities which was published simultaneously and presented at ESC Congress 2025 in Madrid. 
• The ESC Working Group Awards at ESC Congress 2025, chaired by Dr. Edina Cenko (WG CPM Chair) and Prof. Paul Evans, celebrated outstanding early-career researchers in both clinical and basic science. The event, followed by a lively networking session, showcased the strength of our collaborative community and our shared commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders.
• Our early-career members shined during the Awards Ceremony, with Ms. Tania Rahaman and Dr. Ali Aldujeli receiving the Working Group Awards in Coronary Pathophysiology & Microcirculation

The Congress reaffirmed our commitment to transforming diversity into a driver of better cardiovascular health.

Supporting the Next Generation

Nurturing young talent remained at the heart of our mission this year.

• The Mobility Travel Grant  offered early-career researchers valuable opportunities for international collaboration
• Our presence at the ESC CBCS Summer School, with contributions from Dr. Edina Cenko and Prof. Dirk Duncker, helped empower 49 young cardiovascular scientists from 16 countries.
• Our growing LinkedIn and X channels are lively hubs to share ideas, strengthen networks, and build visibility

Every small step in mentorship plants a seed for future breakthroughs.

Growing Together

Membership continued to rise, with more colleagues choosing to join us in advancing coronary physiology and microcirculation research and clinical care. The strong participation in events, education, and social platforms demonstrates a motivated, multidisciplinary group with a shared mission.
This year, we strengthened our identity. A community that collaborates, listens, and learns. A community where new ideas are welcomed, and every contribution matters.

Join us

Paper of the month

In this issue of the Newsletter, Prof. Olivia Manfrini and Ms. Tania Rahaman (University of Bologna) comment on the paper “Impact of coronary microvascular dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a meta-analysis”. The study confirms that coronary microvascular dysfunction is highly prevalent in HFpEF and linked to worse haemodynamics and a higher risk of adverse outcomes. However, heterogeneity in diagnostic techniques and patient selection remains a limitation, and causality cannot yet be fully established. Nevertheless, the findings reinforce the concept of a CMD-driven HFpEF endotype and suggest that more precise diagnostics and targeted therapeutic strategies may improve care in this challenging condition. Read the full comment here.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We are already planning new initiatives to maintain this momentum:

• Additional Working Group Talks on emerging topics in coronary pathophysiology and microcirculation
• New publications and scientific contributions, strengthening our role in advancing evidence-based cardiovascular care
• Strong representation at key international congresses
• Continued support for early-career mobility, mentoring, and scientific visibility

We warmly welcome your ideas, proposals, and continued engagement as we work toward equitable, innovative, and evidence-based cardiovascular care for every heart. If you wish to suggest activities, highlight your research, or contribute to a future newsletter, please contact me at edina.cenko2@unibo.it

Warmest Wishes for the Season

With sincere appreciation for your contributions and continued support, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a bright New Year.
Happy Holidays from all of us at the ESC Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology & Microcirculation.

All my best wishes,
Edina

Dr. Edina Cenko 
Chair, ESC Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology and Microcirculation