Our History
A legacy of unity
Transforming cardiovascular care since 1950
A positive future for heart health
Since 1950, we have been dedicated to scientific unity, mutual support and progress across borders. Throughout our history, our unwavering focus has been the pursuit of better patient care and improved cardiovascular outcomes. Across the decades, our values of uniting the community and sharing best practice have transcended culture and language, enabling us to work towards a positive future for heart health, together.
We have always been, and will continue to be, a community committed to advancing cardiovascular science that supports heart health all over the world.
Celebrating 75 years
Major milestones in our history
1945–1950: Our vision and founding
In the aftermath of the Second World War, a group of visionary cardiologists began their dream of fostering scientific unity, mutual support and progress across European borders. In 1949, representatives from 14 countries gathered to lay the foundations for a European cardiology society. On 2 September 1950, the ESC was officially born, uniting the National Cardiac Societies of Europe under a single umbrella organisation.
1950–1980
Our commitment to scientific exchange
In 1952, the first European Congress of Cardiology brought together experts from diverse backgrounds to share research and clinical approaches. It was to be held once every four years, with each congress hosted by a different National Cardiac Society.
The European Heart Journal was launched in 1980, offering a dedicated platform for publishing high-quality cardiovascular research and expert reviews while strengthening the voice of European scientists and clinicians on the global stage.
In 1988, the ESC Congress became an annual event, ensuring we continually empower our community with the latest data, resources and insights to drive progress in cardiovascular care.
1990–2000
Our centralised resources
Our administrative headquarters in Sophia Antipolis, France, opened in 1993. Serving as our permanent home, the European Heart House provides a centralised resource for our community to this day.
In 1994, we published our first ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines that went on to form the backbone of national cardiovascular strategies, offering a scientifically validated framework for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
21st century
Advancing knowledge and policies
As part of a strategic effort to advance knowledge, practice and collaboration within specific domains of cardiovascular medicine, we launched subspeciality associations in 2003.
Ten years later, in 2013, a Brussels office was created to help us take an even more pivotal role in shaping cardiovascular health policies. Our continuous advocacy efforts contributed to the development of a large-scale European Cardiovascular Health Plan that was announced in 2025.
In 2025, we continued to guide the digital transformation of cardiovascular medicine through the AI supported ESC Chat, which provides clinicians with reliable, real-time recommendations directly from ESC Guidelines.
Our collective impact today
Honouring the past, acting now, inspiring the future
Our collective impact is what truly sets us apart. For decades, we’ve been a trusted, collaborative community dedicated to reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease. We advance science, foster innovation and support professional growth, all while striving for the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
Together, we empower every member of our community to help improve patient care worldwide and ensure that our mission continues to make a meaningful difference.
