Lucknow: The 76th Annual Conference of the Cardiology Society of India (CSI) is taking place at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow from December 5 to 8, marking a significant milestone in the field of cardiology. With an expected attendance of over 6,000 cardiologists, including 500 to 1,000 international experts, the conference promises to be a hub of cutting-edge discussions, research, and advancements in heart health.
Focus on Cardiac Health and Sudden Deaths
In a curtain raiser held at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), leading cardiologists emphasized the need to address the rising concerns around sudden cardiac deaths.
Dr. Aditya Kapoor, Organizing President, highlighted the lack of conclusive evidence linking sudden deaths to specific causes, such as COVID-19. “It is difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons behind sudden cardiac arrests without conducting post-mortem examinations,” he said. He underscored the importance of widespread training in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) as a life-saving technique, stating, “CPR can restart a stopped heartbeat through chest compressions and must be taught to as many people as possible.”
Key Details of the Conference
Dr. Satyendra Tiwari, Organizing Secretary, noted that hosting the CSI Annual Conference in Lucknow after nearly three decades is a matter of pride for Uttar Pradesh. He explained that such events bring global recognition to the host city and state.
Prominent figures like Dr. Jagat Narula, the upcoming President of the World Heart Federation (2025), graced the event as the chief guest. Additionally, Prof. R.K. Dhiman, Director of SGPGI was the special guest. While Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was initially invited, his attendance has been precluded by other commitments.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Prevention to Intervention”, reflects a holistic approach to tackling heart diseases. “Prevention is always better than cure,” said Dr. Aditya Kapoor. “The focus will be on educating people about heart disease prevention, especially in the wake of evolving risk factors and changing lifestyles.”
Comprehensive Programs Across Five Halls
Dr. Rupali Khanna detailed the event’s structure, which includes simultaneous sessions in five halls:
- Hall 1: Discussions on new medications.
- Hall 2: Insights into emerging techniques.
- Hall 3 & 4: Sessions on image-based interventions and electrophysiology.
- Hall 5: Training and research presentations by students, including discussions on their research papers.
A special session dedicated to women’s heart health addressed topics such as pregnancy-related cardiac risks and preventive measures. “Women-specific sessions are crucial as heart diseases present differently in women,” said Dr. Khanna. She also noted that the event would boost tourism in Uttar Pradesh, showcasing the state as a global conference destination.
9 Credit Hours for Attendees
One of the conference’s highlights was the allocation of nine credit hours to participating doctors, a substantial number compared to the usual three credit hours awarded in such events. Prof. Ankit Sahu explained that the Uttar Pradesh Medical Council has granted these credit hours due to the conference’s scale and significance. He added, “According to the National Medical Commission, doctors in India are required to accumulate at least 30 credit hours every five years, making this event an invaluable opportunity for professional development.”
Emphasis on Pediatric and Preventive Cardiology
Discussions will also delve into heart diseases among children, a growing concern globally. “Pediatric cardiology sessions will cover the latest research and interventions to address congenital and acquired heart conditions in children,” said Prof. Sahu.
The Role of Technology and Global Expertise
Dr. Awadhesh Sharma, Media Incharge, highlighted the event’s international participation, stating that the conference serves as a platform to exchange ideas with global experts and learn from advancements in cardiac care worldwide.
As Lucknow geared up to host the 76th Annual CSI Conference, the event promises to leave a lasting impact on both medical professionals and the public. With a strong focus on education, research, and prevention, the conference underscores the importance of collective efforts to combat the growing burden of heart diseases.
From addressing critical issues like sudden cardiac deaths to exploring new frontiers in cardiology, this four-day event is poised to shape the future of heart health in India and beyond.
Cardiac health is a growing global concern, with heart disease being the leading cause of death worldwide. In India, the burden is particularly significant, fueled by lifestyle changes, stress, poor dietary habits, and rising obesity. Factors like diabetes and hypertension further exacerbate risks, leading to an alarming increase in cases of sudden cardiac arrest and heart failure. Despite advancements in medical technology, prevention remains critical. Educating the public on heart-healthy practices, early diagnosis, and the importance of lifestyle modifications is essential. Awareness campaigns on CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and timely medical intervention can save lives, addressing this pressing public health challenge.
