The European Society of Cardiology is presenting a track at the Asean Federation of Cardiology Congress, taking place in Penang-Malaysia at the Setia Spice Convention Centre.

The two renowned cardiovascular societies bring together the latest in cutting-edge cardiovascular science with an Asia-Pacific focus.

Special ESC Scientific Track at AFCC 2025
Next Generation Cardiology: Focus on Latest ESC Guidelines

This program is designed to offer cardiologists a comprehensive update on the latest ESC guidelines for the management of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes-related cardiovascular risks, and diseases of the aorta, in a fun, interactive, and engaging format. The day will include expert lectures, real-world case discussions, live debates, and audience participation.

18 July 2025, Room 11 & 12

Session 1: 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation

Chairpersons: Rodney Jimenez, PH and Christophe Leclercq, France

14:30 - 14:40 | Welcome and Opening Remarks by ESC Leadership Speaker

• ESC confirmed speaker: Victoria Delgado, Spain
• Introduction to the theme of the day.
• Overview of how the 2024 ESC Guidelines impact clinical practice in cardiovascular diseases.

14:40 - 15:00 | Keynote Lecture: "What’s new in the 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension?"

• ESC confirmed speaker: John William McEvoy, Ireland (live remote participation)
• A comprehensive overview of the latest ESC guidelines on hypertension, setting a base tone for interactive sessions later.

15:00 - 15:45 FAQ Debate: "Hypertension Treatment in the Elderly: Aggressive or Conservative Approach?"

• 1-2 cases
• Panellists: Abdul Rashid ABDUL RAHMAN, MY, Aekarach Ariyachaipanich, TH, John William McEvoy, Ireland (live remote participation)
• Pro Team: Advocates for aggressive treatment of hypertension in the elderly, citing the latest 2024 ESC Guidelines and evidence for improved cardiovascular outcomes.
• Con Team: Argues for a more conservative approach, focusing on the risk of polypharmacy, adverse effects, and quality of life in elderly patients.
• Interactive component: Audience voting at the beginning and end of the debate, with real-time polling on treatment decisions for elderly hypertensive patients. The debate will be structured with opening statements, rebuttals, and audience questions.

15:45 - 16:05 | Masterclass: "2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of Atrial Fibrillation, and Optimal Stroke Prevention"

• ESC confirmed speaker: Christophe Leclercq, France
• In-depth analysis of the 2024 ESC Guidelines for managing atrial fibrillation (AF), including the latest approaches for stroke prevention, anticoagulation therapy, and the updated revision of the risk scoring system.
• Interactive component: Audience members will participate in a case-based discussion using real patient scenarios. Participants will vote on anticoagulation strategies, with results and expert commentary provided.

16:05 - 16:35 | Still the Great Debate: “Rate control or Rhythm control in Atrial Fibrillation?”

• 1-2 cases
• Case discussant: ASEAN
• Panellists: Razali OMAR, MY, CHING Chi Keong, SG, Christophe Leclercq, France
• Focusing on the ESC 2024 guidelines for managing Atrial Fibrillation by rate control or rhythm control strategies, underscoring the potential treatment inertia due to resource limitations or perception biases from past experience.
• Interactive component: Audience-driven discussion using live voting on the choice of therapy for patients with AF with various different comorbid conditions.

16:35 - 17:30 | "Pick the Experts’ Cerebrum!"

Grand Q&A Panel: "2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation "

• A panel of experts will answer the most pressing and challenging questions submitted by attendees throughout the day, focusing on practical issues with implementing the 2024 ESC Guidelines.
• Interactive component: Attendees can submit questions via an app, and real-time responses will be provided by the expert panel. Submission of questions will be encouraged and advertised along the main program weeks ahead of the congress.

17:30 - 18:30 | AFCC Jingle & Mingle – Networking Opportunities

• Time to interact with peers of all walks, both local and international.

19 July 2025, Room 11 & 12

Session 2: 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes and 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of aortic diseases

08:00 - 08:20 | Expert Lecture: "Updates from the 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of aortic diseases"

• ESC confirmed speaker: Victoria Delgado, Spain
• A detailed presentation on the 2024 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis, risk assessment, and management of aortic diseases, including aortic aneurysms, dissections, and other structural issues of the aorta.
• Emphasis on imaging, surgical interventions, and medical management updates in the latest guidelines.

08:20 - 09:15 | Debate: "Should surgical intervention be the first-line treatment for aortic diseases in patients with low surgical risk?"

• 1-2 cases
• Case discussant: ASEAN
• Panellists: Avenilo JUN  AVENTURA Jr., PH, LAM Hoong Yoong, MY, Victoria Delgado, Spain
• Pro Team: Advocates for surgical intervention in the low surgical risks cohort.
• Con Team: Argues for a more conservative approach, and potential for catheter-based therapies even in low-risk patient population.
• Key points to address in the debate:
  • The role of surgery versus medical management for different aortic diseases (e.g., aortic aneurysms, dissection).
  • The updated recommendations for surgical thresholds and timing.
  • The risk-benefit analysis of surgery in low-risk patients.
  • Technological advances in minimally invasive surgeries or stenting and their impact on treatment options.
  • The potential for over-treatment versus the risks of delaying surgery.
• Interactive component: Audience voting at the beginning and end of the debate, with real-time polling on treatment decisions for elderly hypertensive patients. The debate will be structured with opening statements, rebuttals, and audience questions.

Focus on Type 2 Diabetes

Chairpersons: ASEAN, Michel Komajda, France

09:15 - 09:45 | Keynote Lecture: "What’s new in the 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes "

• Speaker: Michel Komajda, France

09:45 – 010:05 | "Should SGLT2 inhibitors be considered as first-line therapy for managing CV risk in diabetic patients according to the 2023 ESC guidelines?"

• Speaker: CHONG Chean Lin, BR

10:05 - 10:25 | "Are GLP-1 receptor agonists the most effective intervention for reducing CV events in diabetic patients, according to the 2023 ESC guidelines?"

• Speaker: ASEAN

10:25 - 10:50 | Coffee Break & Networking

• Time to interact with peers and discuss insights from the previous session.

10:50 - 11:50 | "Pick the Experts’ Cerebrum!"

Grand Q&A Panel: "2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes and 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of aortic diseases”

• A panel of experts will answer the most pressing and challenging questions submitted by attendees throughout the day, focusing on practical issues with implementing the ESC guidelines.
• Interactive component: Attendees can submit questions via an app, and real-time responses will be provided by the expert panel. Submission of questions will be encouraged and advertised along the main program weeks ahead of the congress.

Closing Session

11:50 - 12:15 | Closing Lecture: "The Future of Cardiovascular Care: ESC 2025 and Beyond"

• Speaker: Michel Komajda, France
• A forward-looking session that addresses how ESC guidelines will continue to evolve over the next decade, including emerging treatments, technologies, and the role of personalised medicine.
• Overview of key research areas and the role of clinicians in advancing cardiovascular care.

Key Takeaways

• Interactive Learning: Through live polling, case discussions, and real-time feedback, attendees actively participate in shaping the discussion and learning from clinical scenarios.
• Fun and Engaging Debate: The debate session on hypertension treatment in the elderly offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse opinions and practice critical thinking in clinical decision-making.
• Practical Applications: Attendees leave with actionable insights from the latest ESC 2024 guidelines, ready to implement the new recommendations in their clinical practice.

This scientifically robust yet interactive program ensures that attendees are not only updated on the latest ESC guidelines but also engaged in the learning process in an enjoyable and practical way.

Contact

We will be very happy to welcome you during these events.

In the meantime, send us an email at [email protected]  for any questions.