Sex, energy drinks and vaccines among the many topics planned for preventive cardiology conference

Michael Walter | | Cardiovascular Business | Heart Health
older female patient and doctor

ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024, an annual congress of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC), takes place April 25-27 in Athens, Greece. The three-day event is hosted by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and will include presentations on a wide range of heart and lifestyle issues.

Nicolle Kränkel, PhD, EAPC secretary and congress program committee chair, previewed ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024 by highlighting several key sessions. One presentation on April 26, for instance, will examine sexual activity among coronary artery disease patients, a topic many cardiologists fail to address during office visits.

“Patients often have insecurities after a heart event and we will discuss important questions such as when sexual activity can be resumed after a heart attack,” Kränkel, a researcher with Charité University Hospital in Berlin, said in a statement. “We know that exercise helps prevent cardiovascular disease, so is sexual activity enough ‘exercise’?”

Another big presentation scheduled for April 26 will examine how the heart and brain communicate with one another. Depression, anxiety and cognitive decline are all topics speakers will address during the three-part session.

“After a heart attack, patients are often scared and depressed,” Kränkel said. “Depression and anxiety can also impact heart health. Additionally, awareness and cognition of one's heart health play a large role in adhering to a healthy lifestyle. There is also crosstalk between the heart and other organs.”

Research presented at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024 will also address the following topics:

  • How energy drinks and e-cigarettes affect the heart
  • The potential harms associated with taking stimulants
  • Different approaches to weight loss—‘one size does not fit all’
  • Digital tools for smoking cessation
  • Socio-economic disparities in nutrition
  • The potential impact of giving patients a vaccine for heart disease

Click here for additional details about ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024, including a searchable guide.

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Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

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