Heart Café

The Heart Café will welcome congress delegates with coffee and tea as we invite you to join us for a series of interactive discussions on key topics in the field of cardiovascular disease, noncommunicable diseases and global health.

THURSDAY, 13 OCTOBER

16:40-17:20 WHF Roadmap on Cholesterol: Implementing Evidence into Practice

Elevated blood cholesterol affects approximately 39% of adults and causes nearly 4.4 million deaths every year worldwide. In recent years, the burden of high cholesterol has been shifting from high-income countries to low- and middle-income countries. As a result, the death toll related to raised cholesterol has increased dramatically in many countries and regions. The World Heart Federation Roadmap on Cholesterol identifies roadblocks to the effective prevention, detection, and management of high cholesterol and familial hypercholesterolemia. The WHF roadmap also proposes a set of potential solutions to address the aforementioned obstacles and help reach the target set out in the Sustainable Development Goals: achieve a 33% reduction in premature mortality caused by NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, by 2030.

Moderated by Katie Dain (NCD Alliance)

Speakers:
Raul Santos (International Atherosclerosis Society)
Kristie Nattrass (Mended Hearts)
Fernando Lanas (WHF Science Committee)

FRIDAY, 14 OCTOBER

10:00-10:40 Optimizing Early Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure

Heart failure affects over 64 million individuals globally and has become the leading cause of hospitalization across the world. In spite of the significant evidence and recent medical advances, the diagnosis and management of heart failure remain a challenge in countries of all incomes. In fact, the burden of the disease can be felt at every level of healthcare – from health systems to healthcare providers, patients, and their families. Early diagnosis and management of the condition are critical to preventing further complications and hospitalizations.

Moderated by Amam Mbakwem (University of Lagos)

Speakers:
Eli Szwarc (Philips)
Al Voss (Mended Hearts)
Fernanda De Carvalho (Lado a Lado)
Amitava Banerjee (WHF Science Committee)

16:10-16:50 Chagas Disease: At the Crossroad of Infectious Disease and Chronic Disease

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease that affects over 7 million people worldwide. If left untreated, the disease can cause irreversible damage to the heart and other vital organs. Around 12,000 individuals die from the complications of Chagas disease every year, with only 1 in 10 being diagnosed, and even less receiving adequate treatment. Once entirely confined to the continental areas of Latin America, the disease has been increasingly detected in many other parts of the world. With an estimated 75 million individuals at risk of infection, Chagas disease remains a profound public health issue with significant social and economic burdens in Latin America and beyond.

Moderated by Caroline Demacq (Novartis)

Speakers:
Fernando Bacal (InCor)
Andrea Silvestre (Fiocruz)
Tom Ribeiro (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais)

SATURDAY, 15 OCTOBER

10:00-10:40 Creating Suitable Policy Environments to Address Obesity

Obesity is widely recognized as a major public health challenge that affects almost every country and region in the world. Globally, the rates of obesity have been steadily increasing and current projections suggest that nearly 2.7 billion adults may be overweight or obese by 2025. Obesity affects people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds and has become an issue of growing concern in many low- and middle-income countries, especially among children. Obesity can lead to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and mental health disorders. Public health initiatives that target obesity can therefore help mitigate the impact of a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Moderated by Lana Raspail (World Heart Federation)

Speakers:
Francisco Lopez-Jimenez (Mayo College of Medicine)
Mariachiara Di Cesare (University of Essex)
Eugenia Ramos (InterAmerican Heart Foundation)