Contact: Nicole Napoli, nnapoli@acc.org, 202-375-6523

New Orleans, LA (Mar 18, 2019) -

WASHINGTON (March 18, 2019) — The American College of Cardiology and the World Heart Federation will jointly host the ACC's 69th Annual Scientific Session with WHF's World Congress of Cardiology (ACC.20/WCC), taking place March 28-30, 2020, in Chicago.

"The ACC and WHF are strategically aligned in our goals to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide," said Richard Kovacs, MD, FACC, incoming ACC president who will preside over ACC.20. "By combining WHF's expertise and leadership in promoting global health issues and ACC's renowned Annual Scientific Session, we are poised to reach thousands of cardiovascular health professionals with new ideas, science and education that can save patients in some of the world's most vulnerable countries."

The ACC has a strong international presence with thousands of members around the world, 42 international chapters and global education programs that reach over 50,000 clinicians outside the U.S. each year. Through this global network, the ACC has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing cardiovascular health worldwide through the exchange of knowledge and resources and by promoting dialogue exchange among cardiovascular professionals around the world.

WHF is the leading organization for global advocacy for cardiovascular disease. They are the only cardiovascular organization in official relations with the World Health Organization and are a founding member of the Non-Communicable Disease Alliance (NCD Alliance), which is the preeminent driving force in ensuring accountability for the global movement to stem the rise of chronic diseases through the United Nations and World Health Organization.

"I am looking forward to working with the Congress Program Committee to develop a world class program that spans all aspects of cardiovascular disease and brings our combined message to the widest possible audience," said Fausto Pinto, MD, PhD, WHF president elect 2019-2020.

ACC.20/WCC will be one of the first under a new model for WHF, which sees its congress taking place every year, rather than every other year, in partnership with one of their members. In 2019, the congress will be held in conjunction with the European Society of Cardiology.

In planning ACC.20/WCC, the two organizations will work together to incorporate ideas about global health content into the overarching meeting program to bring awareness of the vital work needed in global health advocacy, including the UN's goal to reduce premature death from noncommunicable diseases by 25 percent by 2025.

"WHF is delighted to be returning to the USA after over 30 years, and we are immensely proud to be partnering with ACC to jointly host ACC.20/WCC," said Karen Sliwa, MD, PhD, WHF President 2019-2020. "Together we will be able to combine the excellent scientific and educational focus of ACC with the international standpoint of WHF highlighting the plight of many neglected diseases, including RHD and Chagas disease, as well as the need to address existing and arising risk factors such as air pollution. We look forward to working closely with ACC, strengthening the incredible working relationship between both our organizations and to create an event that will address the importance of all aspects of CVD diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cures on all levels, to both Society and Foundation representatives across the world."

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 52,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.

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Media Contacts

Nicole Napoli
202.669.1465
nnapoli@acc.org

ACC.19 News Room
504.670.6722

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