While significant strides have been made to improve the state of cardiovascular health worldwide, cardiovascular disease and related morbidities remain the number one cause of death globally. The ACC is responding to this need for more effective global action by providing a professional home for cardiovascular professionals around the world.

With more than 15,000 members based outside of the U.S., international membership has consistently been one of ACC’s fastest growing areas of the College. Additionally, the ACC has established International Chapters in 40 different countries, with this number only expected to increase in the coming years.

Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and ensuring access to the latest science and research is at the crux of ACC’s international efforts. In the last year alone, ACC faculty participated in more than 70 cardiovascular meetings across the globe. The ACC in 2016 also launched its inaugural International Regional Conference Program, a series of collaborative and innovative educational events in Latin America and the Middle East. Building on the success of these pilot regional conferences, the program has expanded this year to include Asia, in addition to Latin America and the Middle East.

"ACC’s international mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide. In order to achieve that mission, we need to reach people in the regions where they live and practice." — Richard A. Chazal, MD, FACC

Also on the educational front, the ACC this year launched its largest ever global education program in partnership with ACC’s extensive network of international chapters and with support from Pfizer. The unique program will provide thousands of doctors with regionally customized webinars and educational materials in China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Argentina, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

“ACC’s international mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide. In order to achieve that mission, we need to reach people in the regions where they live and practice,” says Richard A. Chazal, MD, FACC, president of the ACC.

At ACC.17 more than 25 international programs with representation by 38 international societies will take place over the next three days. Multiple joint international society programs, including two with the European Society of Cardiology, will address topics of importance to the global cardiovascular community. Also not to miss, the 16th Annual Maseri-Florio International Lecture, featuring Huon Gray, MD, FACC, will take place tomorrow.

Many attendees got a jump on ACC.17 global activities at two special symposia – the 9th Annual Conference on the Middle East and Conquering Health Care Challenges in the Emerging World – both of which were held yesterday. The Middle East symposium focused on both the challenges and opportunities with improving heart health in the Middle East, with a special focus on hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Meanwhile, the Conquering Health Care Challenges symposium featured a closer look at the global importance of advocacy, as well as the impact of heart disease in women.

Going forward, the College will continue to leverage its international presence to establish partnerships and spearhead educational efforts. “If we are to realize a future where cardiovascular disease is no longer the number one killer of men and women worldwide, we must ensure that our system of scientific exchange allows for health care professionals to learn from each other,” says Chazal.

Keywords: ACC Publications, ACC Scientific Session Newspaper, ACC Annual Scientific Session, Achievement, Cardiovascular Diseases, Cause of Death, Faculty, Heart Diseases, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Pilot Projects, Research