HANOI — The 27th ASEAN Federation of Cardiology Congress (AFCC 2023) commenced in Hanoi on November 3, uniting over 2,000 participants. Among them were approximately 300 eminent cardiologists from ASEAN and further afield, contributing as guest speakers to the event.
According to Vietnam News Agency, This marks the second occasion on which Vietnam has had the honor of hosting the congress, recognized as an important annual gathering for cardiology professionals within the ASEAN region and internationally.
According to the Vietnam National Heart Association (VNHA), the theme for this year’s congress, “Cardiology at the Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities,” aims to delve into the complexities of managing cardiovascular disease amidst the prevalence of comorbidities. The congress will explore the latest advancements in interventions and technology, including the role of artificial intelligence and telemedicine in cardiology. Spanning until November 5, AFCC 2023 is set to present over 80 scientific sessions featuring 750 reports.
The 2022 Global Burden of Disease report illuminates the severity of cardiovascular conditions, identifying them as the global leading cause of mortality and accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths. Specifically, cardiovascular diseases claim 19.5 million lives annually.
Low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, are experiencing a surge in both incidence and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, contributing to 75% of the total deaths from such conditions. Lifestyle shifts and aging populations are among the factors exacerbating the cardiovascular disease burden within ASEAN countries.
The World Heart Federation has reported a staggering estimation that cardiovascular diseases cause around 4 million deaths each year in the ASEAN region. In Vietnam, these diseases result in approximately 200,000 deaths annually, constituting 33% of the country’s total mortality rate.
During her address at the congress, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan emphasized the Vietnamese government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing public health, with a specific focus on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. She urged Southeast Asian cardiologists to collaborate closely, exchange valuable clinical experiences, and strive to elevate ASEAN cardiology to the standards of developed nations.
Furthermore, she encouraged the Vietnam National Heart Association and associated bodies to intensify their efforts in combating non-communicable diseases, with a particular emphasis on cardiovascular health.