The World Congress of Cardiology Scientific Sessions 2012 (WCC) opened in Dubai today (April 18), featuring a line-up of 600 world-leading expert speakers who will share 1,000 new scientific abstracts.

The four-day congress, organized by the World Heart Federation, was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

As a specialized event, the congress serves as a central platform and meeting point for cardiologists, healthcare professionals, medical societies, heart foundations, commercial and non-governmental entities, as well as cardiology trainees and medical students.

“The selection of the city of Dubai to host this congress reflects the international confidence in the State’s continuous successes and ability to host various international forums, as well as enhancing the distinguished reputation and prominent stature achieved by the UAE,” said Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, director-general of the Dubai Health Authority.

“A congress of this scale helps create much-needed awareness among all sections of society and is a platform to discuss the latest technology and procedures in treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The congress also discusses various forms of advocacy that governments can take up to control the number of people developing CVDs.”

Professor Sidney C Smith Jr, president of the World Heart Federation said: “The World Congress of Cardiology is the international platform for the cardiology community and over the next few days will bring together the world’s leading experts in the field of heart health, CVD and stroke.”

“The 10,500 delegates attending the congress will learn about the very latest scientific developments in the cardiology field. During the congress 1,176 abstracts from 95 countries will be presented by 570 speakers and chairs from 79 countries. The congress will play a vital role in helping delegates from developed and developing countries to share science to build capacity and grow partnerships that help in the fight against the world’s number one killer – cardiovascular disease (CVD),” he added.

Dr Fahad Baslaib, head of Cardiology Department at Rashid Hospital and president of the Emirates Cardiac Society said: “Although 80 per cent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable, yet CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide. It is the leading cause of death in the United Arab Emirates. One in every 4 deaths in the UAE is caused by CVD.”

“These alarming figures are likely to increase due to the high prevalence of risk factors in our society, including diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and sedentary life-styles. We must act now and there is a need for governments, civil society and the private sector to work together to ensure advocacy and raise awareness levels.”

After the opening ceremony, delegates toured the exhibition area and were impressed by the latest medical devices that were showcased, and by the vast selection of new medication, which were presented by more than 80 of the world’s largest medical suppliers and premier manufacturers.

The WCC 2012 features a programme of clinical seminars, workshops, plenary sessions, meet-the-expert sessions and stimulating debates. – TradeArabia News Service