Scientific Programme

In addition to the release of the 5th Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction, developed in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Heart Federation (WHF), three new ESC Guidelines will be released in Munich, presenting the most up-to-date recommendations to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.

• 2026 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure
• 2026 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Cardiac Rehabilitation
• 2026 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease

Each release will be followed by an 'Ask the Task Force' session, based on an interactive Q&A with the Task Force Chairs and Members to provide an in-depth understanding of the new guidelines. 

In addition, 'Guidelines in Practice' sessions will showcase clinical cases to illustrate the practical applications of the new recommendations. 

Twelve Hot Line sessions in the main auditorium will reveal first-time presentations of the primary endpoint(s) from recently completed clinical trials set to transform patient care. Each presentation will be followed by expert analysis, providing deeper insights into the findings and their practical implications.

Ask the Trialist sessions go beyond trial results, allowing direct engagement and conversations with the principal investigators. Dive deeper into the data, ask your questions, and connect with the experts driving these groundbreaking studies.

Late-Breaking Science Sessions will showcase critical updates from clinical trials, registries, cohorts as well as observational and epidemiological studies. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to explore pioneering research and its potential to shape the future of cardiovascular medicine.

This track will delve into transformative research and future directions in digital cardiology and artificial intelligence, showcasing disruptive technologies and fostering collaboration between cardiology and the tech sector.

It will cover novel algorithms, machine learning models, and big data applications, as well as AI-driven advances in drug discovery, predictive modeling, and personalised medicine.

Ethical, technical, and interoperability challenges for next-generation solutions will also be addressed, with examples such as deep learning for multimodal cardiac imaging and federated learning for privacy-preserving cardiovascular research.

Sessions will showcase cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that are reshaping cardiovascular medicine. 

From groundbreaking biological antibody therapies to advanced gene-editing technologies, we will explore innovations transforming the treatment of conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and more.

These emerging therapies promise highly personalised care and long-lasting impacts on cardiovascular health, offering a glimpse into the future of cardiology practice.  

This track is designed to empower us with practical application of diagnostic methods and treatments, with discussions on how to implement evidence-based strategies effectively.

Topics will cover the integration of the latest clinical guidelines and key trials focusing on their impact on clinical decision making. 

We will leave equipped with the tools and insights to translate cutting-edge evidence into impactful care strategies, ensuring better outcomes for our patients.

We will explore the interplay of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and their impact on cardiovascular health.

Breakthrough therapies will be highlighted, including metabolic-targeting drugs, as well as interventional strategies.

Gain valuable insights into the integrated management of these cardiometabolic risk factors for effective prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Discover valuable patient insights that go beyond routine interactions, offering a deeper understanding of patient’s needs and expectations.

Members of the ESC Patient Forum will share their experiences, offering fresh perspectives that can enrich your approach to patient care, even in busy, time-constrained health systems.

Tracks organised in collaboration with the German Cardiac Society.

A programme focused on clinical practice updates designed specifically for physicians and professionals with an interest in cardiology, including geriatricians, general practitioners, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals.

The ESC Committee for Young Cardiovascular Professionals will highlight the most relevant sessions throughout the programme for young cardiovascular professionals.