“Cardiology in the New Era - The Path to the World”

Professor Dr. Huynh Van Minh, President of the Vietnam National Heart Association

On this occasion, reporter from Thua Thien Hue Newspaper conducted an interview with Professor Dr. Huynh Van Minh, President of the Vietnam National Heart Association, about the highlights of this congress and the current situation of cardiovascular diseases both globally and in our country.

Professor Dr. Huynh Van Minh, could you please share how cardiovascular diseases are increasingly complicated both globally and in Vietnam?

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major challenges facing global healthcare, requiring continuous innovation in research, application, and scientific collaboration. Globally, cardiovascular diseases account for 31% of all deaths, which is approximately 17.9 million people each year. The Asia-Pacific region bears a heavy burden, accounting for 58% of global cardiovascular-related deaths. In the United States, 874,613 cardiovascular deaths were recorded in 2019, surpassing the total number of deaths from all types of cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Cardiovascular Interventions - One of the core activities of members from Vietnam National Heart Association

In Vietnam, approximately 200,000 deaths due to cardiovascular diseases are recorded annually, accounting for 33% of total deaths. A notable statistic is that the prevalence of hypertension among adults is about 25%, meaning that 1 in 4 people is affected. Interestingly, cardiovascular diseases are becoming more prevalent among younger individuals, with many cases of heart attacks occurring at the age of 50, instead of over 60 as seen in the past

Recently, Hue Central Hospital has successfully performed numerous heart transplants across Vietnam, setting a new record for the shortest time between placing the heart into the recipient's chest and the heart starting to beat again. Is this one of the reasons why Thua Thien Hue was chosen to host the 19th National Congress of Cardiology?

Hue – a land of cultural heritage with 8 UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites – is not only known for its historical and artistic beauty but also as one of the country's major centers for science, education, and healthcare. In 2000, right after the devastating 1999 century flood, we boldly hosted the 12th National Congress of Cardiology for the first time. In 2024, the congress returns to Hue for the second time – a city of cultural heritage that has just been recognized as a centrally-governed municipality.

The Executive Committee of the Vietnam National Heart Association, for the 2022-2024 term, at the 18th National Congress of Cardiology and the 30th anniversary of its establishment.

The medical achievements of Hue are highly impressive, with many significant advancements that have helped establish Hue as one of Vietnam's specialized healthcare centers. Hue Central Hospital, with over 130 years of history, has become a creditable institution for medical examinations, treatment, scientific research, and healthcare training, particularly in the field of cardiology. As of 2024, Hue Central Hospital has successfully performed 14 heart transplants. Among these, in addition to the first "made-in-Vietnam" heart transplant in 2012, which was carried out by the Hue team, there have now been 13 heart transplants across Vietnam. Notably, the 14th heart transplant was completed with the heart transported from Hanoi to Hue in just 4 hours and 5 minutes, setting a new record for the fastest heart transplant across Vietnam.

On average, each year, the Cardiovascular Center at Hue Central Hospital performs about 1,000 open-heart surgeries, including complex congenital heart surgeries for newborns weighing between 1.5 - 2.5 kg. Annually, the center conducts around 5,000 cardiovascular interventions using specialized techniques, including congenital heart interventions. In addition, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Hue University is one of the largest medical training centers in the country, providing healthcare professionals for the Central Highlands region and the entire country.

These are the reasons why Hue is honored to be chosen as the host for this congress.

What is the scale of the 19th National Congress of Cardiology, and what are its key highlights, Professor?

The 19th National Congress of Cardiology will serve as a valuable forum for participants, healthcare practitioners from different medical levels, and leading international experts to exchange knowledge and practical experience. The goals are to provide the best care for cardiovascular patients, reduce the disease burden, and improve the quality of life for the public.

The television program "Tam diem"- is one of the regular communication activities of the Vietnam National Heart Association.

The congress featured the participation of many international experts, nearly 2,000 delegates and members from across the country, and experienced scientists who have passionately supported the development of cardiology in Vietnam for the past 32 years. The event will also include the participation of leading international cardiology societies, such as: the German-Vietnamese Cardiology Society, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the American College of Cardiology (ACC/AHA), the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the Asia-Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC), and the Southeast Asian Cardiology Federation (AFC).

The international cardiovascular scientific activities of the Thua Thien Hue Cardiology Society in collaboration with the German-Vietnamese Cardiology Delegation in Hue.

There will be over 300 presentations in various formats from nearly 250 top experts, including 40 foreign speakers. With more than 90 sessions held across 7 conference halls, along with a diverse exhibition area and open forum presentations, the congress will focus on many prominent topics in the field of cardiology, such as: coronary interventions, congenital heart disease, ultrasound and imaging diagnostics, arrhythmias, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, cardiovascular nursing, as well as related specialties like: Cardiovascular Surgery, Endocrinology - Diabetes, Respiratory Medicine, Nephrology - Urology, Neurology - Stroke, and more. The lessons from cardiovascular techniques by experts both from Vietnam and abroad will certainly provide a valuable opportunity for sharing new information and updating on the most advanced treatment techniques and methods.

Thank you, Professor!