ACC Industry Advisory Forum Tackles Tech, Trust and the Future of CV Care

"The New Information Age and Implications for Cardiovascular Health" was the focus of ACC's latest Industry Advisory Forum (IAF), which brought together clinical, industry and policy leaders for a full‑day exploration of how rapidly evolving information ecosystems are reshaping cardiovascular care.

The meeting opened with remarks from IAF Chair Edward T.A. Fry, MD, MACC, who framed the forum's focus on navigating an era defined by data proliferation, digital tools and shifting patient expectations. ACC President Christopher Kramer, MD, FACC, followed with an update on the College's strategic priorities, with particular emphasis on its continued commitment to overcoming the challenges associated with misinformation in cardiology, the ongoing cardiovascular workforce crisis, and AI's role in care delivery. "This is vital to our forward progress," he said.

The morning keynote, delivered by Anne Zink, MD, examined the challenges of "reclaiming reality" in American health care, highlighting the growing tension between scientific evidence, public perception and the speed at which information – and misinformation – spreads.

Her remarks set the stage for a robust panel discussion on how clinicians and patients will engage with health information in 2026. Moderated by Katie Berlacher, MD, MS, FACC, the panel featured insights on scientific communication, the role of the cardiovascular care team, AI‑driven clinical decision support and the expanding influence of social media on patient behavior and professional discourse.

The afternoon session shifted toward implementation, with Jennifer N. Avari Silva, MD, FACC, moderating a panel on building trust in technology and extending care beyond traditional clinical settings. Experts explored integrating wearable data into care pathways, leveraging AI to support workforce capacity, advancing patient‑centered digital tools and strengthening care models that reach patients where they live.

The forum set the stage for next steps focused on strengthening implementation across cardiovascular care. Priorities include deepening understanding of implementation science, continuing to share real‑world best practices, and expanding cross‑sector collaboration. In the months ahead, the ACC will work with industry, health systems and technology partners to identify joint opportunities that support scalable, sustainable progress in the information age.

Valentin Fuster CV Symposium Explores Evolving Science and Trends Shaping Patient Care

The 2025 Valentin Fuster Cardiovascular Symposium returned to New York in December, offering three days of comprehensive education focused on the hottest science and trends that shaped cardiovascular care in 2025.

The conference opened with a look at emerging frontiers in arterial disease, including advances in early detection of silent atherogenesis, evolving prevention trials, refined coronary calcium and CT angiography assessment, and new tools for understanding vasomotion‑dependent ischemia. Acute coronary syndromes were explored through updated clinical questions, guideline gaps and evolving antithrombotic strategies across the continuum of coronary artery disease.

Sessions on chronic coronary disease, stroke and pulmonary embolism highlighted contemporary approaches to multivessel disease, cerebrovascular disorders and peripheral arterial disease. Prevention‑focused discussions emphasized cardiorespiratory fitness, obesity management, RNA‑based therapies for lipid disorders, diabetes‑modifying strategies, and differing hypertension guidelines.

The second day shifted to cardio‑pulmonary and electrical failure, covering advances in imaging, genetic testing, pharmacologic therapy and device‑based management for a broad spectrum of myocardial diseases. Rhythm‑focused sessions addressed atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and long‑term outcomes of device therapies.

The symposium concluded with in‑depth reviews of valvular heart disease, aortic pathology and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, outlining key prognostic and management challenges across these complex conditions. The popular year‑in‑review session returned, highlighting 10 emerging areas poised to shape cardiovascular progress in 2026, spanning advances in gene therapy, aging biomarkers, AI‑driven patient engagement, cancer therapy-related cardiovascular implications, and evolving management strategies across pulmonary hypertension, syncope, congenital disease and pharmacologic therapy.

The session closed with a forward‑looking exploration of cognitive impairment and cardiovascular health across the lifespan, underscoring the breadth of innovation transforming the field.

Learn about and join ACC's Critical Care Cardiology Member Section and the PULSE Fellowship Program. For questions, please contact mphillips@acc.org.

Keywords: Cardiology Magazine, ACC Publications, CM-Jan-Feb-2026, ACC Annual Scientific Session, ACC26, Technology, Cardiovascular Critical Care, Patient Care