PSPC at ESC 2019
By Dr. Maria Concepcion Sison
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress together with the World Congress of Cardiology was held in Paris, France last August 31-September 4, 2019. As expected in major international conferences, the program was diverse and state of the art with several tracks for all interested in Cardiology from a medical student to the Basic Scientist to the Most Specialized cardiologist. Still probably limited were topics on Pediatric Cardiology, and challenges and experiences faced by developing nations. And a meeting of the minds not just to update but to uplift countries who are left behind.
Nevertheless, continuous progress in the search for and discovery of novel therapies for old (heart failure) and emerging problems (increase in adult congenital heart disease due to better interventions in pediatrics) promise hope for all. Interesting topics include cardiac ß-3 adrenergic receptors as target of therapy for acute (ß- 3 antagonists) and chronic (agonists) heart failures (HF). New targets of HF therapy include enhancing roles of angiotensin peptide Apelin and ACE 2, cardiac myosin itself, and modulation of “stressed” L-type calcium channels in both acquired and genetic pathologies. Recognition of adult problems of pediatric repairs for congenital heart disease, including trials for best drugs, or combination thereof, for pulmonary arterial hypertension after repaired shunts may herald timely and appropriate (modified) interventions and precautions for children with CHD.
Something to look forward to are more discoveries on the role of gut microbiota in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Presently associated with CVD is the microbiome dependent Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). What about the role of maternal gut microbiota in the development of congenital heart disease? And possible interventions for prevention of acquired and congenital heart diseases just by altering food intake? Now, that really promises good for all—developed and developing countries alike.
