This post was authored by Ralph G. Brindis, MD, MPH, MACC, past president of the ACC.

One of the most exciting aspects of the College’s Annual Scientific Sessions each year are the connections we make and the things we can learn from virtually every corner of the cardiovascular world. Today’s half-day long session on “Conquering Health Care Challenges in the Emerging World” embodied both of these – with fascinating co-chairs, speakers and panelists presenting case studies from a number of countries including Brazil, India, China and Mexico.

I traveled extensively to many of the countries in this “emerging” category, particular in my year as ACC President in 2010 and 2011. They are innovative and growing regions, but face challenges and barriers to care that include socio-economic and geographic disparities in care, an aging and growing population, and in many cases, an unruly cardiovascular disease epidemic that includes childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Many of these nations have pinpointed ways they plan conquer these challenges – including China who voiced the need for evidence-based guidelines in more rural areas and increased cooperation of government, societies, academic and health workers. Brazil has called for the use of registries to document real-world practice and sees the need for effective public education campaigns. Meanwhile, many look to the poly pill as a solution to manage cholesterol and blood pressure – two important factors in preventing heart disease.

The challenges these countries face are answered in part by the collaboration and innovation that comes out of ACC membership and there is a steadily growing ACC international representation. The numbers are impressive and exciting. Going from just 4,000 members in 2009 to more than 6,400 individuals from 128 countries today, the ACC’s international area has seen a 20 percent growth for each of the past two years. The “emerging world” is a particular growth area with enhanced engagement in the last few years in countries like China, Brazil and Mexico.

The College’s International Chapters and partnerships with key local societies are critical to the collaborative effort to save lives. With strong partners and a steadfast commitment to the highest quality cardiovascular education, the ACC is poised continuously expand its efforts with the goal of reversing the pandemic of cardiovascular disease worldwide.

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